NJ to WV Moving Specialists

New Jersey to West Virginia Moving Guide

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Updated June 19, 2025

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 featured image

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

9.55/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Cimply Labor, LLC featured image

Cimply Labor, LLC

9.40/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
All Brunswick Moving & Storage featured image

All Brunswick Moving & Storage

9.30/10
Exceptional

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
New Brunswick; Princeton University
Princeton; Montclair State University
Montclair
West Virginia University
Morgantown; Marshall University
Huntington; Fairmont State University
Fairmont
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLittlebrook Elementary School
Princeton; Marion T. Bedwell Elementary School
Bernardsville; Glenwood Elementary School
Short Hills
Madison Elementary School
Wheeling; Greenmont Elementary School
Vienna; Woodsdale Elementary School
Wheeling
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWestern Monmouth Middle School
Marlboro; Glen Rock Middle School
Glen Rock; Mendham Township Middle School
Brookside
Suncrest Middle School
Morgantown; Cheat Lake Middle School
Morgantown; Bridge Street Middle School
Wheeling
Top 3 High SchoolsPrinceton High School
Princeton; Millburn High School
Millburn; Ridge High School
Basking Ridge
George Washington High School
Charleston; Morgantown High School
Morgantown; Wheeling Park High School
Wheeling
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Lawrenceville School
Lawrenceville; Pingry School
Basking Ridge; Delbarton School
Morristown
Linsly School
Wheeling; Woodberry Intermediate School
Wheeling; Charleston Catholic High School
Charleston
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPingry School
Basking Ridge; Dwight-Englewood School
Englewood; Gill St. Bernard's School
Gladstone
Mountaineer Montessori School
Charleston; Parkersburg Catholic Schools
Parkersburg; Sacred Heart Grade School
Charleston
Top 3 School DistrictsPrinceton Public Schools; Summit Public School District; West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School DistrictMonongalia County Schools; Ohio County Schools; Kanawha County Schools

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

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