Living in Virginia Vs West Virginia: Which Is the Better State?

Are you debating between living in Virginia or West Virginia? These neighboring states are experiencing more growth and interest, even if they aren’t in the Southern hotspots. With both states providing unique lifestyles and beautiful scenery, it can be tough to decide which is right for you!

We’ll examine the pros and cons of living in Virginia and West Virginia. Learn about their amenities, like outdoor activities or arts and culture. Factor in their economies, healthcare and education access, and cost of living. While Virginia and West Virginia have advantages, their divergent aspects may make one the better state for you.

Cost of Living

The Sperling Best Places Index helps compare the cost of living for two places using a system where the national average is set at 100. Any score below 100 indicates that the expense category is overall cheaper than average, while a score above 100 means it is more expensive.

You might expect West Virginia to be the cheaper of the two states, and you would be right. 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.

Residents spend about 16% less than the national average on their overall cost of living. Every budget category in the index fell under 100, except for health care at 101.3. Housing costs are dramatically well below what most people spend for a home. That affordable housing definitely helps West Virginia residents maximize their budgets.

Virginia’s overall score is much higher at 101.3. Its lowest cost category, transportation, was still 2% more than its neighbor. Notably, grocery costs were near the same.

Do step back for a moment and consider that West Virginia has significantly fewer people living there. Additionally, part of Virginia includes the densely populated DC metro. Virginia’s demand for goods and services is higher because there’s more competition.

Here’s the full breakdown:

*These figures are based on the US 2022 Census estimations.

Remember, the cost of living varies widely across a state. For example, the cost of living in Arlington, VA, is much higher than in Richmond, VA.

Real Estate Taxes

Both states base property taxes on your county and municipality, and their millage rates are $1 per every $100 of valuation. And, luckily enough, each has property taxes lower than the United States national average. The big differences will result from property values and millage rates.

West Virginia’s laws cap how much individual counties and municipalities can charge for a millage rate. Residential real estate is taxed on 60% of its assessed value, which is re-valued yearly. The state has one of the nation’s lowest average effective tax rates, ranking it tenth in the nation for low property taxes during 2023. The affordable cost of housing helps it post a lower average tax rate.

Virginia’s property taxes aren’t terrible, but it’s hard to beat the seventh lowest in the nation. All homes are charged at 100% of their determined value.

Counties (or independent cities, like Richmond) set the market value and re-value properties between every two to six years. The average effective tax rate in 2023 was 0.87%, or 24th in the nation.

Disabled and elderly residents (65 or older) may qualify for property tax exemptions in Virginia, the amount of which is dependent on their income.

Taxes for Retirees

It may surprise you that West Virginia has a favorable retirement environment. Some independent media sites rank it as high as the third best place to retire, while Bankrate has it as its 11th choice. Much of its high ranking boils down to its incredible housing affordability.

West Virginia does have an individual income tax, which ranges between 2.36%-5.12% depending on how much you make. However, Social Security benefits are excluded from taxable income for single taxpayers with a federally adjusted gross income under $50,000. For joint filers, the income must be less than $100,000 for this exemption. As of 2024, it’s also adding a motor vehicle property tax credit if you have paid your vehicle tax on time.

The state also provides some tax breaks for federal, state, and local government retirement plans if you are a first responder or have a military pension or railroad retirement benefits. Some other West Virginia-designated retirement plans are exempt for up to $2,000.

Taxpayers 65 and older can deduct up to $8,000 in other income that is not otherwise exempt. These taxpayers are also entitled to a $20,000 assessed value exemption on their owner-occupied residence. It could be possible to still lower your property taxes thanks to other special tax credits and exemptions based on the county and your annual income.

Virginia is slightly less tax-friendly for retirees, but its overall burden is still moderate when stacked against the nation. Income is taxed at the state rate of 2-5.75%. Pension incomes and retirement account withdrawals are only partially taxed. Like its next-door neighbor, there are no taxes on Social Security income or railroad retirement benefits.

Virginia also offers an age deduction on taxes. Residents 65 and older can deduct $12,000 from their taxable income. Veteran residents 55 and older can deduct up to $10,000 of their military retirement income and other benefits as of 2022, increasing to $40,000 by 2025.

Population Growth

Looking into a state’s population can provide insight when deciding where to live. A growing state is excellent for those wanting more economic opportunities and access to many amenities. But, if you’re after a more affordable lifestyle or desire rural living, finding somewhere with slower growth might make sense. As you’ll see, a key difference between Virginia and West Virginia is population and all it brings with it.

Virginia ranked as the 15th fastest-growing state by population. Between 2010 and 2020, the state added over 650,000 new residents, bringing the 2020 Census count to 8,654,542. The state projects its population will increase by 6% to 9.1 million by 2030. Still, this is slowing population growth compared to prior decades.

Fairfax and Prince William are the most populated counties in Virginia, with Loudoun County not far behind as the state’s fastest-growing area.

While Virginia’s growth is slowing down, West Virginia is in decline based on the Census figures. It lost around 60,000 residents between 2010 and 2020. About another 0.22% left from 2022 to 2023. Projections have the state losing around one percent of its population from 2010 to 2030. Part of this is due to a rapidly aging population; a second factor is the loss of people in their prime working years seeking other job market opportunities.

Some areas of the state are expected to grow. Monongalia, Jefferson, and Berkeley are the top three counties to welcome new residents. All of these are around West Virginia’s largest cities.

Job Markets

The former wins in terms of overall economic development when comparing Virginia vs West Virginia living. However, many job market opportunities are concentrated in the northern Virginia markets or closer to the Virginia Beach region. That’s not to say that there aren’t thriving industries in other parts of the state, like around Charlottesville or Richmond. It just means there is more selection in different industries in these areas.

The state’s top industries include leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, information technology, distribution and logistics, and manufacturing. The top employers in the state based on size are the government and the US Armed Forces. For Fortune 500 companies, Virginia had 21, including Freddie Mac, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman. Its largest companies were spread across industries, from retailers like Dollar Tree to healthcare logistics like Owens & Minor.

The economy in neighboring West Virginia is often associated with coal production and energy. While these remain essential parts of the state’s economy, tourism is now the state’s leading industry. West Virginia has been working hard to diversify its job market and attract new opportunities into the state.

Based on the number of persons employed, West Virginia’s leading industries are government, healthcare, mining, and manufacturing. Some of its largest individual employers are in the healthcare industry or service providers like Kroger or Lowe’s. It doesn’t have any Fortune 500 headquarters in the state. Still, these companies run manufacturing arms, like the Toyota Motor and General Motors facilities.

Outdoor Recreation

People come to Virginia for the enchanting outdoors. Home to 41 state parks, 63 natural areas, and 670 miles of scenic paths, Virginia’s natural beauty is perfect for exploring nature’s splendor through all kinds of outdoor activities!

Virginia recreational activities range from trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains to surfing beach fronts along the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. The majestic views at Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail are among its most well-known, but you’ll find beautiful views across the state.

The central and southern highlands are popular for their equestrian culture and activities. Take part in a fox hunt or watch riders in working equitation.

With 7,213 miles of shoreline, there are endless opportunities for water recreation. Hit the coast for saltwater fishing or go inland for the thrill of whitewater kayaking.

At Virginia Beach, you can soak up the sun and have fun at its resorts and public parks. Or, if a more laid-back experience sounds appealing, head over to Sandbridge Beach or Cape Charles for some beach life serenity.

For freshwater fun, the John H. Kerr Reservoir is the state’s largest lake, with 800 miles of shoreline. Other popular lakes for living and recreation include Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, Lake Gaston, and Claytor Lake.

While outdoor recreation in Virginia is plentiful, West Virginia stacks up just as equally—just in a different way. Some consider the top pro to living in West Virginia to be its great outdoors. This is the Mountain State, after all. It’s the only state completely inside the Appalachian mountains! Its rural nature, mountainous terrain, and endless recreational opportunities make it a dream for the outdoor enthusiast.

That Appalachian Trail that runs through Virginia also runs through part of West Virginia. The famous trail’s midpoint is at Harpers Ferry. It’s just one of the thousands of miles of hiking trails that meander the Appalachian landscapes.

Besides hiking, the state is a destination for mountain biking, with popular trails in the Kanawha State Forest and the Monongahela National Forest. The Hatfield-McCoy mountains are renowned for their off-roading trails and all-terrain vehicle access.

Those same mountainous regions attract people for their world-class fly fishing and whitewater rafting. The New River Gorge National Park is among the nation’s newest national parks, but it’s long been a destination with Class IV+ waters and rock climbing.

One thing West Virginia may do a little better than its neighbor is winter sports. The four ski resorts here are slightly larger and provide more access to downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

While West Virginia has no oceanfront beaches, it does have a serene mountain lakes region. These deep, fresh waters are the state’s summer destination for boating and cooling off.

City Living

One of the pros of living in Virginia is its fantastic, amenity-packed cities.

Virginia Beach is a mid-Atlantic seaboard destination for beachfront fun. It boasts what Guinness World Records calls the longest “pleasure beach” on Earth. Shopping spots, restaurants, and bars line its iconic three-mile boardwalk. It hosts annual events like East Coast Surfing and American Sand Soccer Championships. It is the most populated city in Virginia and home to over 463,000 residents.

Thanks to a rich history from both the Revolutionary War and Civil War, Richmond invites visitors to explore its vibrant past with numerous museums and historic sites. But it’s very much a modern city, with eight Fortune 500 corporations headquarters, such as Carmax and Universal. This charming city cultivates a “hipster” vibe with blocks of indie shops, trending craft breweries, and live music venues. The attractions include a water theme park, the NASCAR races at Richmond Raceway, and quiet botanical gardens.

What these two areas miss, though, is they aren’t really the most populated part of the state. For that, look at Northern Virginia, part of the Washington, DC, metro. Because it is divided into many smaller, independent cities, they don’t appear on Virginia’s most populated city lists. Taken together, they are the densest part of the state. Among these cities are top destinations like Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Manassas. Here, you’re near the iconic attractions of Washington, DC, like the Smithsonian Museums along the Mall or the US Congress. Each city has unique features, like parks along the Potomac River or a thriving dining scene.

In truth, Virginia has a wide selection of cities to explore before you move to the state.

Regarding Virginia vs. West Virginia living, the Mountain State can’t stack up to Virginia’s cities for size or amenities. The rugged terrain makes it more challenging to build a large population center. Charleston, the state’s largest city and capital, is more of a large town when you compare it to Virginia’s top place to live, Arlington, VA. Still, Charleston has its charms, like the historic state building, museums, the meandering Kanawha River, and the access to the outdoors. It’s also much easier to get around Charleston, thanks to its smaller size. A commute is 15 minutes, compared to an hour in Northern Virginia.

Based on population, the state’s other large cities are Huntington and Parkersburg, both on the border with Ohio. Again, by size, these are more like towns.

Education Access

Families considering the pros and cons of living in West Virginia vs Virginia should weigh their access to high-performing schools. The clear winner for quality education is Virginia, ranked ninth for K-12 public education and 20th in higher education for an overall top ten ranking. The public education system is broken into 133 districts that serve 1.25 million students each year.

Virginia also has a handful of well-known higher educational institutions, including the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the College of William and Mary. Their traditions and rigor place them high on the nation’s best places to further your career training.

According to US News and World Report rankings, West Virginia’s K-12 schools have room to grow. Their evaluation placed the state an overall No. 46 on its annual list. PreK-12 was no. 46. The public school system is tied to the local counties, resulting in 55 districts and 683 schools.

For higher education, ranked 40th, the state has eight public universities or four-year colleges and 13 community/technical colleges. West Virginia University is ranked highest, followed by Marshall University and Shepherd University.

The Four-Season Climate

Another common element of living in Virginia vs. West Virginia is the similar climate conditions, although the different elevations between the two definitely impact your experience. Both states experience four distinct seasons, and the weather gets more moderate the further east you go.

Those living in West Virginia’s higher mountain areas can expect cooler temperatures and more precipitation than those in lower elevations. The average summer high in the central mountains is around 80F, while it peaks at about 85F in southwest West Virginia. Winter average minimum temperatures range from 20F in the northeastern and central mountains to 30F in the far south.

Rainfall ranges from 35-50 inches each year, depending on where you live in the state. The eastern Panhandle sees the lowest amount of precipitation. Higher elevations and northern areas report more snowfall.

Virginia’s western area is similar to the West Virginia weather, and it’s where the state sees its most snowfall. Once you cross the Blue Ridge Mountains, winters can vary wildly. The state averages 10 inches of snow, but snow storms can happen anywhere, even closer to the coastline.

Virginia experiences a subtropical climate east of the mountain range with hot, humid summers averaging in the mid-80sFs. However, all of the state does experience winter cold, with averages reaching as low as 25F.

Thunderstorms and tornadoes are common in the state, with the most occurring during the spring and summer. Coastal areas may experience tropical storms and hurricanes when in season.

Sports Culture

Interestingly, both states actually lack a professional sports team. Virginia is a home base for two teams, one in the NFL and one in the NHL, but these teams represent Washington, DC.

To make up for the lack of professional sports, both states have minor league teams playing in hockey, baseball, and soccer. Virginia also has a minor league basketball team.

Culture in West Virginia and Virginia

In both states, you’ll find that many residents live up to the South’s reputation for charm and hospitality.

With a unique mix of Northern and Southern cultures, Virginia is the perfect combination of both worlds! Be prepared for some warm hospitality from state residents, especially outside northern Virginia. Its stunning colonial architecture and its world-renowned literature, art districts, and music performances guarantee you’ll always have fascinating things to explore. And remember its deliciously distinct cuisine, like Old Bay spiced seafood dishes or smoky BBQ with the signature vinegar-based sauce.

Among Virginia’s historical sites are places US Presidents once lived and worked, the earliest American colonies, and battlefields.

West Virginia epitomizes Appalachian folk culture with a strong musical and artistic tradition. The settlers brought Celtic and African influences to create something all their own. Today, you can see and hear this in the state’s many folk music festivals and the local art galleries. For dining, you can’t miss out on the pepperoni rolls or stopping at Tudor’s Biscuit World.

Coal mining is part of its rich cultural heritage. Even if production is slowed, remnants of the industry are among the hills, in ghost towns, and old coal tipples. These historical sites can be explored as outdoor museums or through heritage tours.

Difference Between Virginia and West Virginia

Which is the best state to live in comes down to personal preference. Both share some beautiful landscapes, adventurous lifestyles, and a strong sense of community. If you’d prefer a quieter lifestyle, maybe the mountains of West Virginia are calling your name. But Virginia’s the better choice if you want easy access to the essentials as part of your daily life or if you prefer city living.

To be sure you’ll find the perfect place to call home in either state, we recommend connecting with a real estate agent who will make your research process easier.