According to our state cost of living data, moving from California to West Virginia could save you $16,798 per year in rent alone. California's cost index sits at 100 (our baseline), while West Virginia comes in at just 65.7.
Data accurate as of January 2026.
Monthly Rent (1BR Downtown)
Most Expensive States
Source: MyLifeElsewhere (California = 100)
| # | State | Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | 168.5 |
| 2 | New York | 132.8 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 119.4 |
| 4 | California | 100.0 |
| 5 | Washington | 97.2 |
Most Affordable States
Source: MyLifeElsewhere (California = 100)
| # | State | Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 64.3 |
| 2 | West Virginia | 65.7 |
| 3 | Arkansas | 66.2 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 66.8 |
| 5 | Kansas | 67.4 |
Why the Gap Exists
California's high costs stem from a housing shortage. The California Legislative Analyst's Office estimates the state has underbuilt by 100,000 units per year since the 1980s. Strict zoning, lengthy approvals, and high demand from tech and entertainment jobs keep prices elevated.
West Virginia faces the opposite problem. Census data shows population has declined as coal mining faded, leaving housing oversupply and lower wages that keep all prices down.
Explore More State Comparisons
California isn't even the priciest—our state rankings show Hawaii leads at 168.5, followed by New York at 132.8. The most affordable? Mississippi at 64.3, just edging out West Virginia.
Try our state comparison tool to compare any two states across rent, groceries, utilities, and more. Or explore individual state pages like Texas and Florida—popular destinations for Californians seeking lower costs.