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Cost of Living in West Virginia

Is it better to rent or buy in West Virginia? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$62,696
$884/mo

Median in area: $884

$172,601

Median in area: $172,601

$34,520

If you Rent

$1,073 /mo
Base Rent$884
Est. Utilities$189
% of Income20.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,152

If you Buy

$1,267 /mo
P&I (6.981%)$917
Taxes & Ins$161
Est. Utilities$189
% of Income24.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,958

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in West Virginia?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in West Virginia. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,073, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,267 per month (a difference of $194).

How much do utilities cost in West Virginia?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in West Virginia is approximately $189. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in West Virginia?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in West Virginia without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $42,920 per year.