Movers

West Virginia to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 2,214 mile interstate move from West Virginia to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in West Virginia vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job opportunities vs growing tech industry), food & health (like Pepperoni Roll vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (cape cod, colonial vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Idaho), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pepperoni Roll and Country Ham, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Trout
  • Idaho housing costs are 180% more expensive than they are in West Virginia
  • Rent in Idaho is 61.69% more expensive than in West Virginia
  • Moving from West Virginia to Idaho will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended West Virginia to Idaho movers is 208 Moving Company

West Virginia to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to Idaho

ConsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Higher poverty rates
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited cultural events
  • Low state funding for education
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Growing tech industry
  • Lower unemployment
  • Milder climate
  • Rich outdoor lifestyle
  • Higher-rated schools

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Less neighborly interactions
  • Less diverse landscapes
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Higher living costs
  • Limited food variety
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Close-knit communities
  • Scenic mountain views
  • Rich mining history
  • Affordable housing
  • Traditional local cuisine

Pros of moving from West Virginia to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to limited job opportunities and hello to the growing tech industry
  • Look forward to moving away from higher poverty rates and moving to Idaho with lower unemployment
  • Swap the harsh winters of West Virginia for a milder climate in Idaho
  • Get ready for a rich outdoor lifestyle in Idaho

Cons of moving from West Virginia to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close-knit communities in West Virginia to live with less neighborly interactions in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of scenic mountain views and have to settle for the con of less diverse landscapes
  • Time to bid farewell to a rich mining history and get used to fewer historical sites in Idaho
  • Swap affordable housing for higher living costs

West Virginia vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWest VirginiaIdaho
Most iconic local food itemPepperoni RollIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishCountry HamTrout
Most popular street food itemHot Dogs with SlawFinger Steaks
Most popular vegan foodMushroom-based dishesQuinoa salads
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Purple Fiddle
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
  • Pies & Pints
  • Boise Fry Company
  • The Sawtooth Club
  • Fork
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 West Virginia to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful Country Ham and sumptuous Hot Dogs with Slaw, Idaho residents know they have tasty Trout and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom-based dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa salads of Idaho. 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 Pies & Pints. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Boise Fry Company, The Sawtooth Club, and Fork.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and Idaho

ComparisonWest VirginiaIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, ColonialRanch, Craftsman
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 listingScenic views, historic charmOutdoor recreation, modern amenities
  • The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and historic charm, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor recreation and modern amenities.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Idaho is less walkable than West Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Idaho is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
  • Idaho has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
  • Idaho housing costs are 180% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
  • Rent in Idaho is 61.69% more expensive than in West Virginia.

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

ComparisonWest VirginiaIdaho
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 DisastersFloods, LandslidesWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6585/55
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41/2634/15
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4520
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3360
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to Idaho. Idaho gets 25% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
  • Idaho 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 wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
  • The average summer high temperature in Idaho is the same as in West Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in West Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 25 fewer inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and Idaho

ComparisonWest VirginiaIdaho
Avg. Household Income$54,329$72,785
Cost of Living Index9591.5
State Income Tax3% - 6.5%1.125% - 6.925%
Avg. Property Tax0.59%0.69%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Chemicals, ManufacturingAgriculture, Technology, Tourism
AffluenceModestGrowing
PovertyChallengingModerate
HomelessnessSporadicNoticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 34% more than those in West Virginia
  • The COLI in Idaho will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in West Virginia
  • The state income tax in ID is 1.125% to 6.925% compared to 3% to 6.5% in WV
  • The affluence in Idaho is growing compared to modest affluence in West Virginia
  • The poverty level is moderate in Idaho compared to challenging poverty in West Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is sporadic in West Virginia and noticeable in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. Idaho

ComparisonWest VirginiaIdaho
Political Make-upLean ConservativeConservative
Local PoliticsDemocratic at local level in some areasSignificantly Republican influence
ReligionPrimarily ProtestantSignificant LDS presence
  • West Virginia tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as having a significant LDS presence
  • West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to Idaho

ComparisonWest VirginiaIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)West Virginia University
Marshall University
University of Charleston
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSteenrod Elementary School
Wheeling; Kenna Elementary School
Charleston; Woodsdale Elementary School
Wheeling
Longfellow Elementary School
Boise; Andrus Elementary School
Boise; Ponderosa Elementary School
Meridian
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMountaineer Middle School
Morgantown; Suncrest Middle School
Morgantown; Bridgeport Middle School
Bridgeport
Heritage Middle School
Meridian; North Junior High School
Boise; Eagle Middle School
Eagle
Top 3 High SchoolsGeorge Washington High School
Charleston; Morgantown High School
Morgantown; Wheeling Park High School
Wheeling
Boise Senior High School
Boise; Timberline High School
Boise; Renaissance High School
Meridian
Top 3 private high schoolsCharleston Catholic High School
Charleston; Wheeling Park High School
Wheeling; Notre Dame High School
Clarksburg
Bishop Kelly High School
Boise; The Ambrose School
Meridian; Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
Coeur d'Alene
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsTeays Valley Christian School
Scott Depot; Cross Lanes Christian School
Cross Lanes; Morgantown Christian Academy
Morgantown
The Riverstone International School
Boise; North Idaho Christian School
Hayden; The Ambrose School
Meridian
Top 3 School DistrictsMonongalia County Schools; Kanawha County Schools; Ohio County SchoolsBoise School District; West Ada School District; Blaine County School District

How Much Do West Virginia to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 2,214 miles from West Virginia to Idaho will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,458300 ft3$8.19
1 Bedroom$3,664450 ft3$8.14
2 Bedrooms$6,069750 ft3$8.09
3 Bedrooms$8,8461100 ft3$8.04
4 Bedrooms$12,7881600 ft3$7.99
5+ Bedrooms$14,2961800 ft3$7.94

Top West Virginia to Idaho Movers

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

TOP PICK
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

Best moving company overall for West Virginia to Idaho

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Valley Custom Moving featured image

Valley Custom Moving

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details
Top West Virginia to Idaho Routes

Charleston to Idaho