Missouri vs West Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
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You take home $42/yr more in West Virginia

$3/mo · $2/paycheck more

Missouri
West Virginia

$59,005/yr in Missouri vs $59,047/yr in West Virginia.

Missouri

Take-home per paycheck

$2,269.42

$59,005/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,5883%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,00579%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.3%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.7%

West Virginia

Take-home per paycheck

$2,271.02

$59,047/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,5463%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,04779%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.3%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.6%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Missouri and West Virginia is about the same.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $59,005 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $59,608 in West Virginia terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Missouri comes out ahead by $561/yr.

Housing
Median home$235,000vs$170,000
Missouri
38% more
West Virginia
Avg 2BR rent$1,085/movs$997/mo
Missouri
9% more
West Virginia
Groceries
Index
Missouri
West Virginia
Transportation
Regular gas$3.03/galvs$3.41/gal
Missouri
West Virginia
13% more
Utilities
Electric bill$98/movs$98/mo
Missouri
West Virginia
Healthcare
Index
Missouri
5% more
West Virginia
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$13,173/yrvs$9,692/yr
Missouri
36% more
West Virginia

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Missouri: Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 0.00% to 4.70%.

West Virginia: West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.11% to 4.58%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Missouri take-home West Virginia take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,942 $40,911 + $31
$75,000 $59,005 $59,047 -$42
$100,000 $75,417 $75,489 -$72
$150,000 $107,678 $107,810 -$132
$200,000 $140,464 $140,656 -$192
$300,000 $202,014 $202,326 -$312

Positive values mean higher take-home in Missouri. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Missouri or West Virginia?

At a $100,000 salary, West Virginia results in $72 more annual take-home pay. Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 0.00% to 4.70%. West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.11% to 4.58%.

How much more do you take home in West Virginia vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $31/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $132/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $312/yr.

Do Missouri and West Virginia have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Missouri or West Virginia?

West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Missouri is 4% higher than in West Virginia. Missouri's Regional Price Parity is 89.8 and West Virginia's is 86.7 (US average = 100).

Is West Virginia cheaper than Missouri?

Yes. West Virginia has a lower cost of living than Missouri (index 86.7 vs 89.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Missouri more expensive than West Virginia?

Yes. Missouri has a higher cost of living (index 89.8) compared to West Virginia (index 86.7). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $75,417 in Missouri has the purchasing power of $78,114 in West Virginia terms. Conversely, $75,489 in West Virginia equals $72,883 in Missouri terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Missouri comes out ahead.

Missouri vs West Virginia cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 3% different between Missouri and West Virginia. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are 13% below the national average — one of the lowest in the US After taxes and cost of living, Missouri gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Missouri and West Virginia?

Missouri requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. West Virginia requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Missouri Paycheck Estimator · West Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states