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Tennessee to West Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 538 mile interstate move from Tennessee to West Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Tennessee vs West Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humid summers vs milder weather), food & health (like BBQ Ribs vs Pepperoni Roll), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs cape cod, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Tennessee), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to BBQ Ribs and Hot Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Pepperoni Roll & Country Ham
  • West Virginia housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Tennessee
  • Rent in West Virginia is 40.57% more affordable than in Tennessee
  • Moving from Tennessee to West Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Tennessee to West Virginia movers is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Tennessee to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to West Virginia

ConsTennessee iconTennessee
  • Humid summers
  • Traffic congestion
  • Cost of living
  • Urban sprawl
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Milder weather
  • Quieter roads
  • More affordable
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Abundant nature trails

West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Limited restaurant variety
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer job prospects
  • Fewer tourist attractions
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Vibrant music scene
  • Delicious Southern cuisine
  • Diverse culture
  • Economic opportunities
  • Historic landmarks

Pros of moving from Tennessee to West Virginia

  • Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to milder weather
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to West Virginia with quieter roads
  • Swap the cost of living in Tennessee for something more affordable in West Virginia
  • Get ready for scenic landscapes in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Tennessee to West Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a vibrant music scene in Tennessee to live with fewer entertainment options in West Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of delicious Southern cuisine and have to settle for the con of limited restaurant variety
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse culture and get used to less cultural diversity in West Virginia
  • Swap economic opportunities for fewer job prospects

Tennessee vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTennesseeWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemBBQ RibsPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishHot ChickenCountry Ham
Most popular street food itemGourmet Hot DogsRamps and Morels
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • The Loveless Cafe
    • Prince's Hot Chicken
    • Husk
    • The Greenbrier
    • Hillbilly Hot Dogs
    • Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill
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 Tennessee to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Ribs of Tennessee for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous Gourmet Hot Dogs, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Ramps and Morels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Chili of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tennessee eateries like The Loveless Cafe, Prince's Hot Chicken, and Husk. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Greenbrier, Hillbilly Hot Dogs, and Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and West Virginia

ComparisonTennesseeWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanCape Cod, Ranch
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, large backyardsPrivacy, scenic views
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod and Ranch architecture typical of West Virginia.
  • Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and large backyards, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like privacy and scenic views.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. West Virginia is less walkable than Tennessee.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Tennessee.
  • West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Tennessee.
  • West Virginia housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased 37% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
  • Rent in West Virginia is 40.57% more affordable than in Tennessee.

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

ComparisonTennesseeWest 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 DisastersTornados, FloodsFloods, Landslides
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6985/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49/3041/26
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5045
Annual Snowfall (Inches)533
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Tennessee to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 21% fewer sunshine days than Tennessee.
  • West Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Tennessee.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Tennessee, but be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides in West Virginia.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 4 degrees colder than in Tennessee.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Tennessee.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and West Virginia

ComparisonTennesseeWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$65,254$54,329
Cost of Living Index88.995
State Income Tax0%3-6.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.64%0.57%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureEnergy, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateLow
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 17% less than those in Tennessee
  • The COLI in West Virginia will be 7% higher than what you are used to living in Tennessee
  • Bummer... By moving from TN to WV, you'll now have a state income tax of 3-6.5%
  • The affluence in West Virginia is low compared to moderate in Tennessee
  • The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in Tennessee
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Tennessee and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. West Virginia

ComparisonTennesseeWest Virginia
Political Make-upLean ConservativeConservative
Local PoliticsMixed, with urban areas leaning liberal and rural areas conservativeLargely conservative, including in many rural and urban areas
ReligionPredominantly Christian, with a significant Baptist presenceMostly Christian, high Protestant denominations majority
  • Tennessee tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • West Virginia's religious environment can be described as mostly Christian with a high majority of Protestant denominations
  • Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with a significant Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to West Virginia

ComparisonTennesseeWest Virginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
West Virginia University
Marshall University
Shepherd University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLipscomb Elementary (Brentwood)
Avoca Elementary (Bristol)
Bluegrass Elementary (Knoxville)
North Elementary (Morgantown)
Suncrest Primary School (Morgantown)
Jennie Dean Elementary (Manassas)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMeigs Middle School (Nashville)
Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
West End Middle Prep (Nashville)
Winfield Middle School (Winfield)
Bridgeport Middle School (Bridgeport)
Suncrest Middle School (Morgantown)
Top 3 High SchoolsCentral Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
Hume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
George Washington High School (Charleston)
Morgantown High School (Morgantown)
Wheeling Park High School (Wheeling)
Top 3 private high schoolsBaylor School (Chattanooga)
The McCallie School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
The Linsly School (Wheeling)
Charleston Catholic High School (Charleston)
Wheeling Central Catholic High School (Wheeling)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWebb School of Knoxville (Knoxville)
Franklin Road Academy (Nashville)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
St. Joseph Central Catholic High School (Huntington)
Notre Dame High School (Clarksburg)
Parkersburg Catholic High School (Parkersburg)
Top 3 School DistrictsWilliamson County Schools
Germantown Municipal School District
Maryville City Schools
Monongalia County Schools
Jefferson County Schools
Ohio County Schools

How Much Do Tennessee to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 538 miles from Tennessee to West Virginia will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Rice's Professional Moving Service
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,507300 ft3$5.02
1 Bedroom$2,239450 ft3$4.97
2 Bedrooms$3,694750 ft3$4.92
3 Bedrooms$5,3621100 ft3$4.87
4 Bedrooms$7,7201600 ft3$4.82
5+ Bedrooms$8,5951800 ft3$4.77

Top Tennessee to West Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Best moving company overall for Tennessee to West Virginia

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Boundless Moving & Storage featured image

Boundless Moving & Storage

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Rice's Professional Moving Service featured image

Rice's Professional Moving Service

9.29/10
ExceptionalView details

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