West Virginia
Moderate tax burden · COL index 82
Wins 10 categories
California
High tax burden · COL index 142
Wins 2 categories
California's top income tax rate is 13.3% vs West Virginia's 5.12%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 73% higher than West Virginia (index 82). The median home in California costs $790K vs $155K in West Virginia. Politically, West Virginia voted Republican in 2024 (R+36.0) while California went Democratic (D+20.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
10
West Virginia
2
California
Run the full slider tool to score these states against your specific income, home value, retirement, and lifestyle priorities.
Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
What are the drawbacks to living in West Virginia?
Aging West Virginia Infrastructure: West Virginia's rugged terrain and harsh weather have affected roads and bridges. Many rural West Virginia areas struggle with poorly maintained infrastructure, leading to long commute times and challenging travel, especially during Mountain State winters.
Is West Virginia cheaper than California?
Overall cost of living in Los Angeles, CA is 82.2% higher than in Charleston, WV. The average listing price for a home in Los Angeles, CA is $1,350,980, which is 365.7% higher than Charleston, WV. The average cost of groceries in Los Angeles, CA is 11.6% higher than Charleston, WV.
What are the top 3 states Californians are moving to?
“A new study by StorageCafe found the top five states Californians relocated to are Texas, Arizona, Washington, Florida and Nevada. While Texas remains the top relocation destination for Californians, the move east on the 10 Freeway from Los Angeles to Phoenix remains popular and is one to monitor.
Is West Virginia considered a good state to live in?
Rural areas in West Virginia typically have lower crime rates, offering a safe environment for families and retirees. The strong sense of community contributes to neighborhood safety, making it an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.