State Comparison
Virginia vs West Virginia
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
West Virginia leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $380,000 in Virginia vs $135,000 in West Virginia — a $245,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Virginia has a 5.75% top income tax rate while West Virginia has a 5.12% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.82% vs 0.58%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Virginia's index is 103.7 and West Virginia's is 84.1 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Virginia and West Virginia data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia or West Virginia more affordable?
West Virginia has a lower cost of living index (84.1) compared to Virginia (103.7), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Virginia or West Virginia?
Overall, West Virginia has a lower combined tax burden. Virginia has a 5.75% top income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.82% property tax. West Virginia has a 5.12% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
What are housing costs in Virginia vs West Virginia?
The median home price in Virginia is $380,000 compared to $135,000 in West Virginia. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,425/month in Virginia vs $760/month in West Virginia.
Which state is better for starting a business — Virginia or West Virginia?
LLC filing costs are $100 in Virginia vs $100 in West Virginia, with annual fees of $50 and $25 respectively. Virginia's 5.75% top tax rate compared to West Virginia's 5.12% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Virginia to West Virginia?
It depends on your priorities. West Virginia wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Virginia and West Virginia
When deciding between living in Virginia or West Virginia, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Virginia (VA) has a median household income of $80,615 with a cost of living index of 103.7. West Virginia (WV) has a median household income of $48,850 with a cost of living index of 84.1.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Virginia calculator or West Virginia calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.