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West Virginia to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 749 mile interstate move from West Virginia to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in West Virginia vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job market vs diverse job opportunities), food & health (like Pepperoni Roll vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (ranch, cape cod vs prairie, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pepperoni Roll and Venison, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 83% more expensive than they are in West Virginia
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 25.15% more expensive than in West Virginia
  • Moving from West Virginia to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended West Virginia to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

West Virginia to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to Wisconsin

ConsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Limited job market
  • Hilly terrain
  • Isolated areas
  • Higher poverty rate
  • Fewer educational institutions
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Flat landscapes
  • Accessible urban centers
  • Lower poverty rate
  • Renowned universities

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Less historical charm
  • Higher living expenses
  • More transient population
  • Fewer natural landmarks
  • Harsh winters
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Low living costs
  • Close-knit communities
  • Scenic mountains
  • Mild winters

Pros of moving from West Virginia to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to limited job market and hello to diverse job opportunities
  • Look forward to moving away from hilly terrain and moving to Wisconsin with flat landscapes
  • Swap the isolated areas of West Virginia for accessible urban centers in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for a lower poverty rate in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from West Virginia to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich cultural heritage in West Virginia to live with less historical charm in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of low living costs and have to settle for the con of higher living expenses
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a more transient population in Wisconsin
  • Swap scenic mountains for fewer natural landmarks

West Virginia vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWest VirginiaWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemPepperoni RollCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishVenisonBratwurst
Most popular street food itemHot DogsFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodMushroom-based dishesVegetable Pasty
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pepperoni Roll Emporium
  • Hillbilly Hot Dogs
  • Mountaineer Restaurant
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 Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful Venison and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds 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 Vegetable Pasty of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic West Virginia eateries like Pepperoni Roll Emporium, Hillbilly Hot Dogs, and Mountaineer Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Cheese Castle, Bratwurst Brothers, and Lakefront Brewery.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and Wisconsin

ComparisonWest VirginiaWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Cape CodPrairie, Cape Cod
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 listingNatural Scenery, PrivacyLake Frontage, Proximity to Dairy Farms
  • The Ranch and Cape Cod architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Cape Cod architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference natural scenery and privacy, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lake frontage and proximity to dairy farms.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than West Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
  • Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 83% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 25.15% more expensive than in West Virginia.

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

ComparisonWest VirginiaWisconsin
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, landslidesSnowstorms, floods
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6282/60
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41/2128/13
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4532
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3348
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 15% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
  • Wisconsin has higher humidity and a similar 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 snowstorms and floods in Wisconsin.
  • The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 3 degrees colder than in West Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in West Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 13 fewer inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and Wisconsin

ComparisonWest VirginiaWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$54,329$70,996
Cost of Living Index9595.65
State Income Tax6.57.65
Avg. Property Tax0.591.68
Avg. Sales Tax6.295.46
Top 3 IndustriesMining, Manufacturing, HealthcareManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModestModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 31% more than in West Virginia
  • The COLI in Wisconsin is 1% higher than what you are used to living in West Virginia
  • The state income tax in WI is 7.65 compared to 6.5 in WV
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to modest in West Virginia
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to high in West Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in West Virginia and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonWest VirginiaWisconsin
Political Make-upLean ConservativeSwing State
Local PoliticsStrong Republican presence in local governanceMixed political control with a history of strong labor and progressive movements
ReligionProtestant majorityDiverse, with a significant Catholic population
  • West Virginia tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a significant Catholic population
  • West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to Wisconsin

ComparisonWest VirginiaWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)West Virginia University
Marshall University
Fairmont State University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsStepping Stone Montessori School (Lewisburg)
Suncrest Primary School (Morgantown)
Woodsdale Elementary School (Wheeling)
Shorewood Hills Elementary (Madison)
Elm Lawn Elementary (Middleton)
Swanson Elementary (Brookfield)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMountaineer Middle School (Morgantown)
Bridgeport Middle School (Bridgeport)
Triadelphia Middle School (Wheeling)
Longfellow Middle School (Wauwatosa)
Pilgrim Park Middle School (Elm Grove)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)
Top 3 High School SchoolsGeorge Washington High School (Charleston)
Morgantown High School (Morgantown)
Bridgeport High School (Bridgeport)
Eau Claire Memorial High School (Eau Claire)
Brookfield Central High School (Brookfield)
Whitefish Bay High School (Whitefish Bay)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharleston Catholic High School (Charleston)
Wheeling Country Day School (Wheeling)
Greenbrier Episcopal School (Lewisburg)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Madison Country Day School (Waunakee)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLinsly School (Wheeling)
Notre Dame High School (Clarksburg)
Trinity Christian School (Morgantown)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
The Prairie School (Racine)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 School DistrictsMonongalia County Schools
Ohio County Schools
Harrison County Schools
Elmbrook School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Waunakee Community School District

How Much Do West Virginia to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 749 miles from West Virginia to Wisconsin 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$1,627300 ft3$5.42
1 Bedroom$2,418450 ft3$5.37
2 Bedrooms$3,993750 ft3$5.32
3 Bedrooms$5,8011100 ft3$5.27
4 Bedrooms$8,3581600 ft3$5.22
5+ Bedrooms$9,3131800 ft3$5.17

Top West Virginia to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for West Virginia to Wisconsin

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

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details
Top West Virginia to Wisconsin Routes

Charleston to Wisconsin