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Wisconsin to West Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 750 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to West Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs West Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Pepperoni Roll), real estate & housing (cape cod, ranch vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Pepperoni Roll & Venison
  • West Virginia housing costs are 45% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in West Virginia is 20.09% more affordable than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to West Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to West Virginia movers is Elite Movers

Wisconsin to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to West Virginia

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • High property taxes
  • Flat landscapes
  • Higher cost of living
ProsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Milder winters
  • Lower property taxes
  • Beautiful mountains
  • Affordable cost of living

West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Limited cheese selection
  • Slower job growth
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Limited large water bodies
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Great cheese
  • Thriving job market
  • Rich cultural events
  • Access to Great Lakes

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to West Virginia

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to West Virginia with lower property taxes
  • Swap the flat landscapes of Wisconsin for beautiful mountains in West Virginia
  • Get ready for an affordable cost of living in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to West Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from great cheese in Wisconsin to live with a limited cheese selection in West Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a thriving job market and have to settle for the con of slower job growth
  • Time to bid farewell to rich cultural events and get used to fewer cultural events in West Virginia
  • Swap access to the Great Lakes for limited large water bodies

Wisconsin vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishBratwurstVenison
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsPepperoni Roll
Most popular vegan foodBeer-battered CauliflowerMorel Mushroom Dish
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Larder
  • Enoteca Rossini
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Patreece's Diner
  • Hillbilly Hot Dogs
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
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 Wisconsin to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Venison and Pepperoni Roll to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Beer-battered Cauliflower they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Morel Mushroom Dish of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Larder, Enoteca Rossini, and The Old Fashioned. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Patreece's Diner, Hillbilly Hot Dogs, and Tudor's Biscuit World.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and West Virginia

ComparisonWisconsinWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, RanchColonial, 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 listingLake access, Wooded areasMountain views, Private lots
  • The Cape Cod and Ranch architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of West Virginia.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and wooded areas, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and private lots.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than Wisconsin.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • West Virginia housing costs are 45% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased 37% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in West Virginia is 20.09% more affordable than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinWest 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 DisastersWinter storms, TornadoesFlooding, Landslides
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 57Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 13Β°F41Β°F / 26Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3245
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4833
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 7% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • West Virginia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible winter storms and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential flooding and landslides in West Virginia.
  • The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 13 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 13 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and West Virginia

ComparisonWisconsinWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$70,996$54,329
Cost of Living Index95.6595
State Income Tax7.65%6.5%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%0.59%
Avg. Sales Tax5.43%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareEnergy, Chemicals, Biotechnology
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyLow-mediumHigh
HomelessnessManageableChallenging
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 23% less than those in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in West Virginia will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in WV is 6.5% compared to 7.65% in WI
  • The affluence in West Virginia is lower compared to moderate affluence in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to low-medium in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Wisconsin and challenging in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. West Virginia

ComparisonWisconsinWest Virginia
Political Make-upBattleground state, leans slightly DemocraticStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal in urban areas like Milwaukee and MadisonConservative, even in larger cities
ReligionMixed, with a significant Catholic populationPredominantly Protestant
  • Wisconsin tends to lean as a battleground state and leans slightly Democratic in its political climate
  • West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • West Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a significant Catholic population

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to West Virginia

ComparisonWisconsinWest Virginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Marquette University
Milwaukee
West Virginia University
Morgantown
Marshall University
Huntington
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Buckhannon
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSwanson Elementary School
Brookfield
Richmond Elementary School
Sussex
Thoreau Elementary School
Madison
Kenna Elementary School
Charleston
North Elementary School
Morgantown
Eastwood Elementary School
Morgantown
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle School
Wauwatosa
Whitefish Bay Middle School
Whitefish Bay
Lake Shore Middle School
Mequon
Winfield Middle School
Winfield
Bridgeport Middle School
Bridgeport
Suncrest Middle School
Morgantown
Top 3 High School SchoolsEau Claire Memorial High School
Eau Claire
Brookfield Central High School
Brookfield
Whitefish Bay High School
Whitefish Bay
George Washington High School
Charleston
Bridgeport High School
Bridgeport
Fairmont Senior High School
Fairmont
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Marquette University High School
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
The Linsly School
Wheeling
Charleston Catholic High School
Charleston
Wheeling Central Catholic High School
Wheeling
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
St. John's Northwestern Military Academy
Delafield
The Linsly School
Wheeling
Charleston Catholic High School
Charleston
Notre Dame High School
Clarksburg
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook School District
Brookfield
Mequon-Thiensville School District
Mequon
Whitefish Bay School District
Whitefish Bay
Monongalia County Schools
Morgantown
Kanawha County Schools
Charleston
Bridgeport Public Schools
Bridgeport

How Much Do Wisconsin to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 750 miles from Wisconsin to West Virginia will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,628300 ft3$5.43
1 Bedroom$2,419450 ft3$5.38
2 Bedrooms$3,994750 ft3$5.33
3 Bedrooms$5,8031100 ft3$5.28
4 Bedrooms$8,3611600 ft3$5.23
5+ Bedrooms$9,3161800 ft3$5.18

Top Wisconsin to West Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to West Virginia

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
About Time Moving Systems LLC featured image

About Time Moving Systems LLC

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details
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