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Ohio to West Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 286 mile interstate move from Ohio to West Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Ohio vs West Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like frigid winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Buckeye Candy vs Pepperoni Roll), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs cape cod, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Ohio), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Buckeye Candy and Cincinnati Chili, but get your taste buds ready for Pepperoni Roll & Country Ham
  • West Virginia housing costs are 28% less expensive than they are in Ohio
  • Rent in West Virginia is 30.98% more affordable than in Ohio
  • Moving from Ohio to West Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Ohio to West Virginia movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Ohio to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to West Virginia

ConsOhio iconOhio
  • Frigid winters
  • High state taxes
  • Heavy traffic
  • Urban sprawl
ProsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Milder winters
  • Lower state taxes
  • Less congestion
  • Scenic landscapes

West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Fewer city conveniences
  • Limited restaurant variety
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Limited public transit
Ohio iconOhio
  • Major city amenities
  • Diverse dining options
  • Robust job market
  • Developed public transit

Pros of moving from Ohio to West Virginia

  • Say goodbye to frigid winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high state taxes and moving to West Virginia with lower state taxes
  • Swap the heavy traffic of Ohio for less congestion in West Virginia
  • Get ready for scenic landscapes in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Ohio to West Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from major city amenities in Ohio to live with fewer city conveniences in West Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse dining options and have to settle for the con of limited restaurant variety
  • Time to bid farewell to a robust job market and get used to fewer job opportunities in West Virginia
  • Swap developed public transit for limited public transit

Ohio vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOhioWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemBuckeye CandyPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishCincinnati ChiliCountry Ham
Most popular street food itemPolish BoyHot Dog with Sauce
Most popular vegan foodVegan PierogiesFried Green Tomatoes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Slyman's Deli
  • The Precinct
  • Parkersburg Brewing Co.
  • Dirty Bird
  • Hill and Holler
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 Ohio to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye Candy of Ohio for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Cincinnati Chili and sumptuous Polish Boy, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Hot Dog with Sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pierogies they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Fried Green Tomatoes of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, Slyman's Deli, and The Precinct. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Parkersburg Brewing Co., Dirty Bird, and Hill and Holler.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and West Virginia

ComparisonOhioWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCape Cod, Colonial
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 listingOpen Floor Plans, Hardwood FloorsScenic Views, Large Yards
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod and Colonial architecture typical of West Virginia.
  • Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and hardwood floors, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like scenic views and large yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. West Virginia is less walkable than Ohio.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Ohio.
  • West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Ohio.
  • West Virginia housing costs are 28% less expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Ohio’s $223,135.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
  • Rent in West Virginia is 30.98% more affordable than in Ohio.

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

ComparisonOhioWest 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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsFloods, Landslides
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F/63Β°F85Β°F/65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36Β°F/22Β°F41Β°F/26Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3945
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2833
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Ohio to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Ohio.
  • West Virginia has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Ohio.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Ohio, but be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides in West Virginia.
  • The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 2 degrees warmer than in Ohio.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer in West Virginia than they are in Ohio.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Ohio.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and West Virginia

ComparisonOhioWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$65,720$54,329
Cost of Living Index92.8595
State Income Tax2.85%6.5%
Avg. Property Tax1.57%0.59%
Avg. Sales Tax7.17%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailEnergy, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceModerateLow
PovertyAverageHigh
HomelessnessManageableConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 17% less than in Ohio
  • The COLI in West Virginia will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in Ohio
  • The state income tax in WV is 6.5% compared to 2.85% in OH
  • The affluence in West Virginia is low compared to moderate in Ohio
  • The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to average in Ohio
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Ohio and concerning in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. West Virginia

ComparisonOhioWest Virginia
Political Make-upSwing State; MixedLeans Republican
Local PoliticsModerately varied by regionConsistently conservative
ReligionChristian (majority), diverse religious communitiesPrimarily Christian, less religious diversity
  • Ohio tends to lean swing state and mixed 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 less religious diversity
  • Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (majority) and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Ohio to West Virginia

ComparisonOhioWest Virginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Ohio State University
Columbus
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati
Ohio University
Athens
West Virginia University
Morgantown
Marshall University
Huntington
West Virginia State University
Institute
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsIndian Hill Elementary
Cincinnati
Granville Elementary
Granville
Ottawa Hills Elementary
Ottawa Hills
Eastwood Elementary
Morgantown
Weimer Elementary
Charleston
North Elementary
Morgantown
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBexley Middle School
Bexley
Granville Middle School
Granville
Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High
Ottawa Hills
Suncrest Middle School
Morgantown
Mountaineer Middle School
Clarksburg
Bridgeport Middle School
Bridgeport
Top 3 High School SchoolsWalnut Hills High School
Cincinnati
Bexley High School
Bexley
Ottawa Hills High School
Ottawa Hills
George Washington High School
Charleston
Bridgeport High School
Bridgeport
University High School
Morgantown
Top 3 private high schoolsHawken School
Gates Mills
The Seven Hills School
Cincinnati
Western Reserve Academy
Hudson
Charleston Catholic High School
Charleston
Wheeling Central Catholic High School
Wheeling
Parkersburg Catholic High School
Parkersburg
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsColumbus Academy
Gahanna
The Seven Hills School
Cincinnati
Laurel School
Shaker Heights
Linsly School
Wheeling
Notre Dame High School
Clarksburg
Trinity Christian School
Morgantown
Top 3 School DistrictsIndian Hill Exempted Village School District
Cincinnati
Granville Exempted Village School District
Granville
Ottawa Hills Local School District
Ottawa Hills
Monongalia County Schools
Morgantown
Jefferson County Schools
Charles Town
Hancock County Schools
New Cumberland

How Much Do Ohio to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 286 miles from Ohio 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,365300 ft3$4.55
1 Bedroom$2,024450 ft3$4.50
2 Bedrooms$3,337750 ft3$4.45
3 Bedrooms$4,8391100 ft3$4.40
4 Bedrooms$6,9581600 ft3$4.35
5+ Bedrooms$7,7381800 ft3$4.30

Top Ohio to West Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC featured image

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Best moving company overall for Ohio to West Virginia

9.81/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Blue Men Moving LLC featured image

Blue Men Moving LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Eyring Movers featured image

Eyring Movers

9.53/10
ExceptionalView details

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