Cost of Living in West Virginia
Overall index: 88 — ranked #49 of 51 (one of the most affordable).
Where your money goes in West Virginia
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in West Virginia
Estimated annual spending: $56,324($18,676 remaining)
What things cost in West Virginia
| Item | West Virginia | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $170,000 | $360,000 | $-190,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $997/mo | $1,400/mo | $-403 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.41/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.09 |
| Electric bill | $98/mo | $137/mo | $39 |
| Infant childcare | $9,692/yr | $13,500/yr | $3,808 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.77 | $4.95 | $0.18 |
| Monthly groceries | $395/mo | $410/mo | $15 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: West Virginia vs national average
What a salary in West Virginia is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,000 | $-6,000 |
| $75,000 | $66,000 | $-9,000 |
| $100,000 | $88,000 | $-12,000 |
| $125,000 | $110,000 | $-15,000 |
| $150,000 | $132,000 | $-18,000 |
| $200,000 | $176,000 | $-24,000 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in West Virginia than the national average.
Compare West Virginia with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in West Virginia?
West Virginia has an overall cost-of-living index of 88, making it one of the most affordable (ranked #49 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $170,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $997/month.
Is West Virginia expensive to live in?
No, West Virginia is more affordable than most states with an overall index of 88 (average = 100). Housing is particularly affordable at 71.2% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in West Virginia?
The median home price in West Virginia is $170,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $997/month. West Virginia's housing index is 71.2 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 28.799999999999997% below the national average.
How much are groceries in West Virginia?
West Virginia's grocery index is 96.3 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.77 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $395, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in West Virginia?
The average monthly electric bill in West Virginia is $98 based on the state's residential rate of 11.05¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in West Virginia?
Center-based infant childcare in West Virginia averages $9,692/year ($808/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in West Virginia?
A $75,000 salary in West Virginia has the same purchasing power as $85,227 at the national average cost of living. Because West Virginia is below average in cost, your money goes further here. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- West Virginia Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after West Virginia taxes
- House Affordability in West Virginia — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare West Virginia take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.