West Virginia to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to California

ConsWest Virginia

• Limited job opportunities
• Harsh winters
• Fewer cultural attractions
• Limited public transport

ProsCalifornia

• Diverse job market
• Mild climate
• Rich cultural scene
• Extensive public transport

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California

• Higher cost of living
• High population density
• Traffic congestion
• Fast-paced lifestyle

West Virginia

• Lower cost of living
• Close-knit communities
• Abundant nature
• Calm lifestyle

Pros of moving from West Virginia to California

• Say goodbye to limited job opportunities and hello to a diverse job market
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to California with a mild climate
• Swap the fewer cultural attractions of West Virginia for a rich cultural scene in California
• Get ready for extensive public transport in California

Cons of moving from West Virginia to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in West Virginia to live with a higher cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle with the con of high population density
• Time to bid farewell to abundant nature and get used to traffic congestion in California
• Swap a calm lifestyle for a fast-paced lifestyle

West Virginia vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from West Virginia to California, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia for the equally delicious Sourdough Bread of California. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful Chicken and Dumplings and sumptuous Hot Dogs, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Morel Mushrooms they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic West Virginia eateries like The Purple Fiddle, Tudor's Biscuit World, and Patton's. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and Zuni Café.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and California

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish Revival architecture typical of California.
• Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and scenic views, California real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and tech upgrades.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; California is more walkable than West Virginia.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
• California has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
• California housing costs are 387% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
• Rent in California is 172.89% more expensive than in West Virginia.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to California. California gets 73% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to West Virginia.
• Say goodbye to the possible floods and landslides in West Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is the same as West Virginia.
• The average winter lows are 22 degrees warmer than they are in West Virginia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 69% more than those in West Virginia
• The COLI in California is 44% higher than what you are used to living in West Virginia
• The state income tax in CA is 1% to 13.3% compared to 3% to 6.5% in WV
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in West Virginia
• The poverty level is localized in California compared to noticeable poverty in West Virginia
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in West Virginia and significant in California

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. California

• West Virginia tends to lean heavily Republican in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as diverse, with Christianity being the most common
• West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to California

How Much Do West Virginia to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,547 miles from West Virginia to California will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.