Virginia
Moderate tax burden · COL index 102
Wins 5 categories
West Virginia
Moderate tax burden · COL index 82
Wins 8 categories
Cost of living in Virginia (index 102) runs 24% higher than West Virginia (index 82). The median home in Virginia costs $390K vs $155K in West Virginia. Politically, West Virginia voted Republican in 2024 (R+36.0) while Virginia went Democratic (D+3.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
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Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
5
Virginia
8
West Virginia
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Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Is it better to live in WV or VA?
The Mountain State is the clear winner. In fact, it had the lowest cost of living of all US states during the first quarter of 2024. The cost of living in Charleston, West Virginia's capital, is 14% lower than the national average.
Is West Virginia offering $20,000 to new residents?
What are the drawbacks to living in West Virginia?
Limited Cultural and Entertainment Options West Virginia's rural nature means fewer cultural and entertainment options compared to urban areas. Residents may need to travel to nearby states for concerts, theater, and major events. This lack of local entertainment can feel limiting, particularly for younger residents.
Why is opioid use so high in West Virginia?
West Virginia is a state with a steep history of mining and timbering. These heavy manual labor jobs can cause painful injuries, often treated with opioids, which could contribute to opioid addiction (DEA United States Drug Enforcement Administration, 2017; Hodges et al., 2023).