Michigan to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to West Virginia

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Urban noise
• Many tourists

ProsWest Virginia

• Milder climate
• More affordable
• Less congestion
• Peaceful surroundings
• Laid-back lifestyle

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West Virginia

• Fewer water bodies
• Fewer metro areas
• Limited job options
• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer universities

Michigan

• Great lakes
• Vibrant cities
• Diverse jobs
• Rich cultural scene
• Higher education

Pros of moving from Michigan to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to West Virginia with more affordability
• Swap the heavy traffic of Michigan for less congestion in West Virginia
• Get ready for peaceful surroundings in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Michigan to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the Great Lakes in Michigan to live with fewer water bodies in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant cities and have to settle for the con of fewer metro areas
• Time to bid farewell to diverse jobs and get used to limited job options in West Virginia
• Swap a rich cultural scene for less cultural diversity

Michigan vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Michigan for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Pasties and sumptuous Faygo Pop, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Tudor's Biscuit to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Morel Mushrooms of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Bell's Eccentric Café. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Pies and Pints, Black Bear Burritos, and The Peddler.

When comparing lifestyles, West Virginia shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Michigan. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in West Virginia, compared to what you are used to in Michigan. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in West Virginia.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and West Virginia

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside properties and garages, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and privacy.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. West Virginia is less walkable than Michigan.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
• West Virginia housing costs are 33% less expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in West Virginia is 31.12% more affordable than in Michigan.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Michigan and West Virginia

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Michigan to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 4% fewer sunshine days than Michigan.
• West Virginia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential flooding and landslides in West Virginia.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 6 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 12.4 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 19% less than those in Michigan
• The COLI in West Virginia is 4% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in WV is 6.5% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in West Virginia is low compared to moderate in Michigan
• The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Michigan and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. West Virginia

• Michigan tends to lean a politically competitive swing state in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as reliably Republican across most offices
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with a strong Evangelical Protestant presence, a smaller Catholic population, and few non-Christian congregations; the religiously unaffiliated are present but comprise a modest share
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as religiously diverse, with a Christian majority that includes sizable Catholic and Protestant populations, notable Muslim and Jewish communities especially in metro Detroit, and a significant share of people who are religiously unaffiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to West Virginia

How Much Do Michigan to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 657 miles from Michigan to West Virginia will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.