Cost of Living in West Virginia
West Virginia has 5 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Median rent is lowest in Parkersburg at $746/mo and highest in Charleston at $898/mo.
West Virginia at a Glance
Cities Tracked
5
with census data
Avg Cost Index
N/A
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$838
per month
Avg Household Income
$48,615
annual median
Taxes in West Virginia
State Income Tax
5.12%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in West Virginia
West Virginia Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Charleston | 47,918 | — | $898 | $187,300 | $64,512 |
| Huntington | 46,189 | — | $863 | $118,800 | $43,146 |
| Morgantown | 30,273 | — | $888 | $238,200 | $42,245 |
| Parkersburg | 29,461 | — | $746 | $113,900 | $44,675 |
| Wheeling | 26,670 | — | $795 | $142,500 | $48,498 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare West Virginia cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how West Virginia cities stack up across the US. For example, Charleston vs Huntington.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in West Virginia
What is the cost of living in West Virginia?
Cost of living varies significantly across cities in West Virginia. Use the table below to compare individual cities.
What are the cheapest cities to live in West Virginia?
City-level cost index data for West Virginia is being compiled. Check back soon.
What is the median rent in West Virginia?
The average median gross rent across cities in West Virginia is approximately $838/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in West Virginia?
West Virginia's top marginal state income tax rate is 5.12%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in West Virginia?
West Virginia's statewide sales tax rate is 6.00%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to West Virginia?
Check individual city profiles in West Virginia to estimate your cost of living. Our moving guides offer salary adjustment calculators for popular corridors.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology