There’s a lot to think about when moving to West Virginia from Georgia. From differences in the cost of living to insurance premiums along with getting over to the West Virginia DMV to transfer your Georgia driver’s license and vehicle registration, you’ll want to do some budgeting and planning before you make the move.
Relocalate.com has done the heavy lifting for you. Our expert researchers have compiled the key things you need to know when moving to West Virginia from Georgia. Find out what you can expect to pay in federal and West Virginia state taxes, whether you’ll be spending more or less in key cost of living categories, and how long you’ll have to get a new driver’s license and car registration. Plus, you can even get a head start on saving the most money when you move by comparing free quotes for health coverage, car insurance, home/renters insurance, and more.
License & Registration
Transfer your Georgia driver’s license to West Virginia within 30 days.
Transfer your vehicles & get West Virginia license plates within 30 days.
On this page, you’ll be able to:
- See how the cost of living compares for West Virginia and Georgia.
- Estimate how much more or less you can expect to pay in state and federal income taxes after you move to West Virginia.
- Find out what to expect when it comes to West Virginia property taxes, buying a home, and home insurance premiums.
- Learn whether you’ll be able to save some money or have to spend a little more in key cost of living categories including groceries, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
- Find out what you’ll need to do with the West Virginia DMV to transfer your Georgia driver’s license and vehicle registration. (And how long you’ll have to do it.)
- Estimate how much it will cost to move from Georgia to West Virginia.
- BONUS: Start saving money today by comparing free quotes for all your new insurance policies in West Virginia.
Moving to West Virginia from Georgia Checklist
- 1. Estimate the cost of the move.
- 2. Update your insurance policies.
- 3. Be prepared to transfer your Georgia license & registration to West Virginia.
- 4. Budget and prepare for cost of living changes.
- 5. Change your address and forward your mail through USPS.
- 6. Register to vote.
- 7. Update your new address with your banks, loans, and other accounts.
- 8. Set up your utilities and services at your new home.
Find some more tips and to-dos for Moving to West Virginia here.
Cost of Moving from Georgia to West Virginia
Unfortunately moving can be expensive. Moving to a brand new state usually comes with some extra costs.
Use this moving cost calculator to get a rough idea of how much your move from Georgia to West Virginia will cost.
The rough distance between West Virginia and Georgia is 444 miles. We’ll use that for our calculations. Select the size of your home that you’ll be moving to get an idea of the costs.
Moving Cost Calculator: Georgia to West Virginia
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. The cost of your move will vary depending on the company you choose, your belongings, and other circumstances.
Update Your Insurance Policies for Coverage in West Virginia
Don’t wait! Update your car insurance coverage for West Virginia
When you move to West Virginia, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be covered for all of life’s unexpected situations. That means updating your insurance policies with your new address and the minimum requirements for West Virginia.
West Virginia Car Insurance
One of the first policies you’ll want to update when you move is going to be your car insurance coverage.
In West Virginia, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person, $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage
$421
On average, the annual premium for a minimum liability coverage policy is lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for car insurance in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Average Cost of Full Coverage
$1,580
On average, the annual premium for a full coverage auto insurance policy is lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for full coverage in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Do you own a motorcycle?
West Virginia Home & Renter’s Insurance
Whether you’ll rent or own your new home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right coverage when you arrive.
Let’s face it, accidents happen during a move. Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your belongings and your house.
Average Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance
$1,125
You can usually expect that the annual premium for home insurance will be lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for your home insurance policy in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Will you own or rent your home?
West Virginia Health Insurance
You’ll also need to make sure that you and your family have health coverage once you arrive in West Virginia.
If you’ll be keeping your job when you move, be sure to ask your employer about any implications for your current health insurance policy.
You’ll need to find out which hospitals and plans are available near your new home. Spend some time researching providers in your area.
Healthcare Costs in West Virginia
Lower
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Will you be keeping health insurance with your current employer?
Find Health Coverage ➜
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Tasks when Moving to West Virginia from Georgia
Transfer your Georgia Driver’s License
within 30 days.
After you’ve moved to West Virginia, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license.
Transfer your Georgia Car Registration
within 30 days.
You’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration and get West Virginia license plates.
When you become a resident of West Virginia, you’ll need to transfer your Georgia driver’s license and vehicle registration.
You’ll also need to update your car insurance policies so that they meet the minimum requirements for West Virginia. Sometimes this can come with a rate hike, so it’s always a smart idea to shop around.
The minimum liability coverage you’ll need in West Virginia is $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $25,000 property damage liability per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person, $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident, $25,000 uninsured motorist property damage coverage.
You can start comparing car insurance quotes for West Virginia for free right here on Relocalate.com.
Transfer Your Georgia Driver’s License to West Virginia
Minimum Age for a West Virginia Driver’s License
17 years old
A standard West Virginia driver’s license is available to residents who are at least 17 years old.
West Virginia Driver’s License Expires
every 5 years
You’ll need to renew your driver’s license every 5 years.
West Virginia Driver’s License Cost
$40.00
A driver’s license will cost around $40.00.
One of the first things you’ll want to do after becoming a resident of West Virginia is to get a driver’s license.
In fact, new residents should apply for their West Virginia driver’s license within 30 days.
In West Virginia, driver’s licenses are issued by the DMV.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the West Virginia Driver’s License Application.
- Surrender your Georgia driver’s license.
- Present the necessary proof of identity and residency with your new West Virginia address.
- Pass any required testing.
- Take a photo.
- Pay the driver’s license fee.
After applying and passing any necessary tests, you’ll receive a temporary paper license. The West Virginia DMV will mail you your new license, and it should arrive within a few weeks.
For official information and for details about scheduling appointments, visit https://transportation.wv.gov/dmv/Pages/default.aspx.
West Virginia Driver’s License Knowledge Exam
Total Questions on the West Virginia Driver’s License Test
25 total questions
The West Virginia knowledge exam will typically consist of 25 total questions that are based on the driver’s handbook.
Passing Score
76%
You’ll need to score 76% to pass the test.
When you transfer your Georgia license to West Virginia, you should be prepared to pass the driver’s license written exam.
While not every applicant will be required to take the test, it is still a good idea to brush up on traffic laws in West Virginia.
Before you visit the DMV, take some time to study the official driver’s handbook for West Virginia. While many traffic laws and safety rules are universal from state to state, there are some specifics that may be a little different.
Assuming your Georgia driver’s license is valid and unexpired, you should not need to take the West Virginia driving test.
Is your Georgia driver’s license valid?
One potential hang up to be aware of is around the validity of your Georgia driver’s license.
To make things as easy as possible, your Georgia license should be valid when you apply for a license in West Virginia.
Ideally what this means is that you should clear any issues with the Georgia DMV BEFORE you move.
For example:
- If your Georgia driver’s license is lost or damaged, you should replace it before moving.
- If your Georgia driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you should try to reinstate it before you move.
If your Georgia driver’s license is expired when you go to apply for your West Virginia license, it’s possible that the DMV will treat it like a brand new application, which may require a written exam and a road test, plus any other requirements for new drivers.
The bottom line: Try to take care of any issues with your Georgia driver’s license BEFORE you move and visit the West Virginia DMV.
Transfer Your Car Registration from Georgia to West Virginia
If you’re going to bring your car with you when you move, you’ll also need to transfer your Georgia registration to West Virginia.
Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the West Virginia DMV.
You can find more specific details for your vehicle registration and official information at https://transportation.wv.gov/dmv/Pages/default.aspx
West Virginia Registration Fee Basis
flat rate
West Virginia vehicle registration fees are generally calculated by flat rate.
Registration Base Fee Estimate
$30+
Additional fees may vary based on vehicle type as well as any local fees and taxes.
West Virginia Registration Expiration
every year
In West Virginia, you’ll need to renew your registration every year.
Front License Plates
A front license plate is not required in West Virginia.
Vehicle Safety Inspections
Period vehicle safety inspections are required annually in West Virginia.
Smog & Emissions Testing
Emissions testing is not required for vehicles registered in West Virginia.
New residents in West Virginia are required to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration within 30 days.
When moving to West Virginia with vehicles from Georgia, you should be prepared to:
- Complete an application for West Virginia registration and title.
- Present your current registration documents from Georgia.
- Provide any other necessary proof of ownership documents (title, lease agreement, lienholder information, etc.)
- Pass any necessary vehicle inspections required for West Virginia registration.
- Have a valid West Virginia insurance policy for your vehicles.
- Pay the registration fees.
Notify the Georgia DMV
While it’s not always a requirement, it can be worthwhile to update your address with the Georgia DMV and notify them that you have moved out of the state.
This can often be done on the DMV website, and will prevent you from receiving any renewal notices for your old driver’s license and registrations.
Taxes in West Virginia vs Georgia
Differences in taxes are a big consideration in any state to state move.
Unfortunately, it’s not all black and white. In order to get the full picture, it’s important to consider all of your potential tax burdens when moving from Georgia to West Virginia including state income tax, property taxes, and sales tax.
Plus, you’ll need to think about how the overall cost of living on key spending categories is going to compare. More on that below.
For example, if you’re a homeowner, it’ll be smart to look at both income tax differences, property tax burdens, as well as average home prices to get a more accurate idea of your tax savings or hike once you move to West Virginia.
We’ll cover some key differences in your tax savings and tax hikes when moving to West Virginia from Georgia.
For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be comparing effective tax rates, which simplify the marginal tax rates and tax brackets in each state to look at the estimated average total tax you may be paying.
Note that your tax situation may be much different than the estimates provided here. Use these as a high-level comparison tool.
Federal & State Income Taxes when Moving to West Virginia from Georgia
Overall, you’ll likely be looking at an income tax savings when moving to West Virginia from Georgia.
West Virginia Income Tax (effective rates)
3.93% (single) & 4.76% (joint)
West Virginia has a state income tax with an effective rate of 3.93% for single filers, and 4.76% for married couples filing jointly.
Effective Rates: Federal + State Income Taxes
19.50%
On average, the effective income tax rate (state + federal) is lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less in income tax in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Tax Comparison Calculator
Effective income tax rates (Federal + State):
- West Virginia: 19.50% (single), 19.71% (joint)
- Georgia: 20.45% (single), 20.52% (joint)
In West Virginia, your tax would be . In Georgia, your tax would be .
You would pay more in than in .
When comparing your overall tax burdens between states, it can help to look at both the state and federal income tax rates.
Remember, this comparison is looking at the effective rates in order to simplify things.
Here’s a high level look at how your effective tax rates may be different after you move to West Virginia from Georgia
- State Income Tax (single filers): 3.93% in West Virginia vs 4.49% in Georgia
- State Income Tax (joint filers): 4.76% in West Virginia vs 4.66% in Georgia
- Federal + State Income Tax (single filers): 19.50% in West Virginia vs 20.45% in Georgia
- Federal + State Income Tax (joint filers): 19.71% in West Virginia vs 20.52% in Georgia
Sales Tax in West Virginia vs Georgia
Next, it’s helpful to consider the differences in sales tax.
Sales tax is a consumption tax you pay when you buy goods and services. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the final price you pay.
Note that many states have a state-wide sales tax and local governments and municipalities can charge an additional sales tax on top of that. This comparison looks at the state-wide sales tax.
West Virginia Sales Tax
6%
West Virginia has a state sales tax rate of 6%.
The sales tax rate is higher in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay more on sales tax in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Property Taxes in West Virginia vs Georgia
If you’re a homeowner, or plan to buy a home in West Virginia, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the difference in property taxes and home values.
West Virginia Property Tax Estimate
0.58%
The property tax rate is lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for property taxes in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Home Prices in West Virginia
$119,600
On average, the average home price is lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for a house in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
This is also a good time to back sure you are getting the best deal on your West Virginia homeowner’s insurance policy.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare in West Virginia vs Georgia?
Cost of living is another major difference when moving to a brand new state.
Depending on the local industries, geography, region, and population, the price of different goods and services can vary greatly.
Now, the cost of living will also depend on your own lifestyle, spending habits, and which city you move to in West Virginia.
Cost of living (COL) indexes are used to compare each state to the national average of 100. The difference between COL values higher or lower than 100 represent the percentage difference from the national average.
We can compare the cost of living indexes for West Virginia and Georgia to get a high level idea of whether we’ll be saving money or have to spend a bit more on the following categories:
- Overall Cost of Living.
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Utilities.
- Transportation.
- Healthcare.
- Miscellaneous goods and service.
Overall, the cost of living in West Virginia is
-9.70% cheaper
than the national average, compared to -9.00% cheaper for Georgia.
West Virginia Cost of Living Index
90.3
National Avg: 100
On average, the cost of living is lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for many things in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Cost of Groceries
-2.30% cheaper
than the national avg.
Typically, the cost of groceries is lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for groceries in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Housing Costs
-29.10% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, the cost of housing (rent/mortgage/etc) is lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for housing costs in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
West Virginia Utilities
-5.50% cheaper
than the national avg.
The cost of utilities is typically higher in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay more for your monthly utility bills in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Transportation Costs
-2.20% cheaper
than the national avg.
On average, the cost of transportation is higher in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay more on transportation in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Healthcare in West Virginia
-3.00% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, healthcare costs are lower in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay less for healthcare in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Miscellaneous Costs
-1.00% cheaper
than the national avg.
The cost of miscellaneous goods and services are generally higher in West Virginia. You’ll likely pay more for these things in West Virginia than you did in Georgia.
Relocalate.com Methodology
While big changes like moving to a new state can be exciting, we also know that any move can be stressful. That’s why we created Relocalate.com.
The data and comparisons on this page are designed to give you a high level look at what you can expect when moving from Georgia to West Virginia.
Our free moving tools and calculators are here to help you play around with the numbers so you can start working on a budget for your big move to West Virginia.
We’ve crunched the numbers from census data, federal government resources, state and local data, as well as interviews and chats with people who’ve made the move from Georgia to West Virginia.
While there are many things we can’t control when moving to a new state, like the overall cost of living and housing prices, we’ve found that one of the single most effective ways to save money is by getting a better deal on your insurance policies.
That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted insurance providers and some of the best in West Virginia to bring your free quote tools that you can access while you plan out your move.
Good luck! We wish you the best as you get settled into your home and start feeling like a West Virginia local.