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West Virginia to Louisiana Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 1,029 mile interstate move from West Virginia to Louisiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in West Virginia vs Louisiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Pepperoni Rolls vs Gumbo), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs french creole, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Louisiana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pepperoni Rolls and West Virginia Hot Dogs, but get your taste buds ready for Gumbo & Crawfish Γ‰touffΓ©e
  • Louisiana housing costs are 24% more expensive than they are in West Virginia
  • Rent in Louisiana is 31.73% more expensive than in West Virginia
  • Moving from West Virginia to Louisiana will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended West Virginia to Louisiana movers is Country Roads Moving LLC

West Virginia to Louisiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to Louisiana

ConsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Occasional isolation
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Sparse population
ProsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • Mild winters
  • Thriving industries
  • Cultural diversity
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Urban life

Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Flat terrain
  • Busy cities
  • Transient population
  • Hurricane threats
  • Higher crime rates
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Quiet living
  • Strong community ties
  • Rich history
  • Low crime rates

Pros of moving from West Virginia to Louisiana

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Louisiana with thriving industries
  • Swap the occasional isolation of West Virginia for cultural diversity in Louisiana
  • Get ready for vibrant nightlife in Louisiana

Cons of moving from West Virginia to Louisiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful landscapes in West Virginia to live with flat terrain in Louisiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of quiet living and have to settle for the con of busy cities
  • Time to bid farewell to strong community ties and get used to a transient population in Louisiana
  • Swap rich history for hurricane threats

West Virginia vs. Louisiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWest VirginiaLouisiana
Most iconic local food itemPepperoni RollsGumbo
Most popular meat dishWest Virginia Hot DogsCrawfish Γ‰touffΓ©e
Most popular street food itemPepperoni RollsPo'boys
Most popular vegan foodMorel MushroomsOkra Gumbo (Vegan version)
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Pepperoni Grill
  • Pies & Pints
  • Hillbilly Hot Dogs
  • Commander's Palace
  • Willie Mae's Scotch House
  • Acme Oyster House
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 Louisiana, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Rolls of West Virginia for the equally delicious Gumbo of Louisiana. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful West Virginia Hot Dogs and sumptuous Pepperoni Rolls, Louisiana residents know they have tasty Crawfish Γ‰touffΓ©e and Po'boys 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 Okra Gumbo (Vegan version) of Louisiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic West Virginia eateries like The Pepperoni Grill, Pies & Pints, and Hillbilly Hot Dogs. After the boxes are unpacked in Louisiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Louisiana's acclaimed eateries like Commander's Palace, Willie Mae's Scotch House, and Acme Oyster House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and Louisiana

ComparisonWest VirginiaLouisiana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanFrench Creole, 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 listingMountain views, outdoor spaceHistorical features, proximity to water
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the French Creole and Colonial architecture typical of Louisiana.
  • Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and outdoor space, Louisiana real estate listings often highlight features like historical attributes and proximity to water.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Louisiana is more walkable than West Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Louisiana is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
  • Louisiana has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
  • Louisiana housing costs are 24% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $199,091 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Louisiana have increased by 13% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
  • Rent in Louisiana is 31.73% more expensive than in West Virginia.

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

ComparisonWest VirginiaLouisiana
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, SnowstormsHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 62Β°F91Β°F / 73Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41Β°F / 26Β°F62Β°F / 42Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)45"60"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"0.2"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to Louisiana. Louisiana gets 30% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
  • Louisiana has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to West Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and snowstorms in West Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Louisiana.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Louisiana is 9 degrees warmer than in West Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in West Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Louisiana. Louisiana receives 15 more inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and Louisiana

ComparisonWest VirginiaLouisiana
Avg. Household Income$54,329$55,416
Cost of Living Index9596
State Income Tax6.5%6%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax6.5%9.55%
Top 3 IndustriesCoal, Manufacturing, HealthcareOil, Agriculture, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyPrevalentSignificant
HomelessnessEmergingConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Louisiana tend to earn about 2% more than in West Virginia
  • The COLI in Louisiana will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in West Virginia
  • The state income tax in LA is 6% compared to 6.5% in WV
  • The affluence in Louisiana is moderate compared to moderate affluence in West Virginia
  • The poverty level is significant in Louisiana compared to prevalent poverty in West Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is emerging in West Virginia and concerning in Louisiana

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. Louisiana

ComparisonWest VirginiaLouisiana
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Conservative with pockets of Liberal influence
Local PoliticsSignificant emphasis on coal, labor unions.Diverse interests including oil, seafood, and Mardi Gras.
ReligionPrimarily ProtestantMix of Catholic and Protestant faiths
  • West Virginia tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Louisiana, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Conservative with pockets of Liberal influence
  • Louisiana's religious environment can be described as a mix of Catholic and Protestant faiths
  • West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to Louisiana

ComparisonWest VirginiaLouisiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia State University
Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsStepping Stone Montessori School - Lewisburg
Suncrest Primary School - Morgantown
Woodsdale Elementary School - Wheeling
Lusher Charter School - New Orleans
Glasgow Middle School - Baton Rouge
South Highlands Elementary Magnet - Shreveport
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBridgeport Middle School - Bridgeport
Suncrest Middle School - Morgantown
Mountaineer Middle School - Morgantown
Picard Middle School - Lafayette
Milton Elementary/Middle School - Milton
Caddo Parish Middle Magnet School - Shreveport
Top 3 High SchoolsGeorge Washington High School - Charleston
Bridgeport High School - Bridgeport
Morgantown High School - Morgantown
Benjamin Franklin High School - New Orleans
Baton Rouge Magnet High School - Baton Rouge
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies - Metairie
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Linsly School - Wheeling
Greenbrier Episcopal School - Lewisburg
Wheeling Country Day School - Wheeling
Isidore Newman School - New Orleans
Episcopal High School - Baton Rouge
Jesuit High School - New Orleans
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCharleston Catholic High School - Charleston
Parkersburg Catholic High School - Parkersburg
Notre Dame High School - Clarksburg
Loyola College Prep - Shreveport
Sacred Heart of Jesus School - Baton Rouge
St. Thomas More Catholic High School - Lafayette
Top 3 School DistrictsMonongalia County Schools
Kanawha County Schools
Ohio County Schools
Orleans Parish School Board
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Jefferson Parish Public School System

How Much Do West Virginia to Louisiana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,029 miles from West Virginia to Louisiana will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Country Roads Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,786300 ft3$5.95
1 Bedroom$2,656450 ft3$5.90
2 Bedrooms$4,390750 ft3$5.85
3 Bedrooms$6,3831100 ft3$5.80
4 Bedrooms$9,2051600 ft3$5.75
5+ Bedrooms$10,2651800 ft3$5.70

Top West Virginia to Louisiana Movers

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

TOP PICK
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

Best moving company overall for West Virginia to Louisiana

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Henry Hauling LLC featured image

Henry Hauling LLC

9.22/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.83/10
Top West Virginia to Louisiana Routes

Charleston to Louisiana