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New Jersey to West Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 464 mile interstate move from New Jersey to West Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Jersey vs West Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower living expenses), food & health (like Taylor Ham/Pork Roll vs Pepperoni Roll), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs ranch, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Taylor Ham/Pork Roll and Italian Hot Dogs, but get your taste buds ready for Pepperoni Roll & Country Ham
  • West Virginia housing costs are 69% less expensive than they are in New Jersey
  • Rent in West Virginia is 59.25% more affordable than in New Jersey
  • Moving from New Jersey to West Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended New Jersey to West Virginia movers is Big G Movers, INC

New Jersey to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to West Virginia

ConsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Limited nature access
  • Overcrowded areas
  • Intense summers
ProsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Lower living expenses
  • Less crowded roads
  • Abundant outdoor activities
  • Spacious environments
  • Mild summer climate

West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Limited transit options
  • Fewer cultural amenities
  • Fewer employment options
  • Far from major cities
  • Quiet evening life
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Reliable public transport
  • Diverse cultural scene
  • Job market opportunities
  • Proximity to NYC
  • Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from New Jersey to West Virginia

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower living expenses
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to West Virginia with less crowded roads
  • Swap the limited nature access of New Jersey for abundant outdoor activities in West Virginia
  • Get ready for spacious environments in West Virginia

Cons of moving from New Jersey to West Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from reliable public transport in New Jersey to live with limited transit options in West Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse cultural scene and have to settle with the con of fewer cultural amenities
  • Time to bid farewell to job market opportunities and get used to fewer employment options in West Virginia
  • Swap proximity to NYC for being far from major cities

New Jersey vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew JerseyWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemTaylor Ham/Pork RollPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishItalian Hot DogsCountry Ham
Most popular street food itemSaltwater TaffyHot Dogs with Sauce
Most popular vegan foodVegetable PaninisMorel Mushrooms
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Dough Artisan Pizzeria
  • The Lobster House
  • Highlawn Pavilion
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
  • Patricia's
  • Black Sheep Burrito & Brews
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from New Jersey to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Taylor Ham/Pork Roll of New Jersey for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dogs and sumptuous Saltwater Taffy, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Hot Dogs with Sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Paninis 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 New Jersey eateries like Dough Artisan Pizzeria, The Lobster House, and Highlawn Pavilion. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Tudor's Biscuit World, Patricia's, and Black Sheep Burrito and Brews.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and West Virginia

ComparisonNew JerseyWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianRanch, Cape Cod
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to transportation, Upgraded kitchensMountain views, Large lots
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Cape Cod architecture typical of West Virginia.
  • Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to transportation and upgraded kitchens, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and large lots.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than New Jersey.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than New Jersey.
  • West Virginia has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
  • West Virginia housing costs are 69% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
  • Rent in West Virginia is 59.25% more affordable than in New Jersey.

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

ComparisonNew JerseyWest Virginia
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersFlooding, Landslides
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 66Β°F86Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 25Β°F41Β°F / 26Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4751
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2333
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 20% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
  • West Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Jersey.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential flooding and landslides in West Virginia.
  • The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 1 degree warmer than in New Jersey.
  • The average winter lows are 1 degree warmer than they are in New Jersey.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 4 more inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and West Virginia

ComparisonNew JerseyWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$96,346$54,329
Cost of Living Index129.795
State Income Tax5.53%6.50%
Avg. Property Tax2.49%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax6.63%6%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Pharmaceuticals, ITCoal Mining, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceProsperousModest
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 44% less than those in New Jersey
  • The COLI in West Virginia will be 27% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
  • The state income tax in WV is 6.50% compared to 5.53% in NJ
  • The affluence in West Virginia is modest compared to prosperous in New Jersey
  • The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in New Jersey
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Jersey and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. West Virginia

ComparisonNew JerseyWest Virginia
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsVaries by municipalityOften locally conservative
ReligionReligiously diversePrimarily Christian, with a significant Protestant population
  • New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • West Virginia's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a significant Protestant population
  • New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as religiously diverse

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to West Virginia

ComparisonNew JerseyWest Virginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Rutgers University
Princeton University
The College of New Jersey
West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMoss Hill Elementary School
Princeton
Littlebrook Elementary School
Princeton
Millburn Elementary School
Millburn
Holz Elementary School
Charleston
Eastwood Elementary School
Morgantown
Sunnyside Elementary School
Clarksburg
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMillburn Middle School
Millburn
Grover Cleveland Middle School
Caldwell
Community Middle School
Plainsboro
Winfield Middle School
Winfield
Bridgeport Middle School
Bridgeport
Mountainview Middle School
Morgantown
Top 3 High School SchoolsHigh Technology High School
Lincroft
Millburn High School
Millburn
Princeton High School
Princeton
George Washington High School
Charleston
Bridgeport High School
Bridgeport
Wheeling Park High School
Wheeling
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Lawrenceville School
Lawrenceville
Pingry School
Basking Ridge
Delbarton School
Morristown
The Linsly School
Wheeling
Charleston Catholic High School
Charleston
Wheeling Central Catholic High School
Wheeling
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPrinceton Day School
Princeton
Moorestown Friends School
Moorestown
Gill St. Bernard's School
Gladstone
Notre Dame High School
Clarksburg
Parkersburg Catholic High School
Parkersburg
Trinity Christian School
Morgantown
Top 3 School DistrictsMillburn Township School District
Millburn
Princeton Public Schools
Princeton
Summit Public Schools
Summit
Monongalia County Schools
Morgantown
Kanawha County Schools
Charleston
Ohio County Schools
Wheeling

How Much Do New Jersey to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 464 miles from New Jersey to West Virginia will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Express Haulers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,466300 ft3$4.89
1 Bedroom$2,176450 ft3$4.84
2 Bedrooms$3,589750 ft3$4.79
3 Bedrooms$5,2091100 ft3$4.74
4 Bedrooms$7,4961600 ft3$4.69
5+ Bedrooms$8,3431800 ft3$4.64

Top New Jersey to West Virginia Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best New Jersey to West Virginia movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

Best moving company overall for New Jersey to West Virginia

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Cimply Labor, LLC featured image

Cimply Labor, LLC

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
All Brunswick Moving & Storage featured image

All Brunswick Moving & Storage

9.30/10
ExceptionalView details

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