Cost of living in West Virginia
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in West Virginia are 10.5% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 89.5 (U.S. = 100), making it the #9 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare West Virginia with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs West Virginia prices
- 8.4% pricier
- Take-home in West Virginia at $75,000
- $59,047$4,921 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $64,034$5,336 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −3.8%−$2,442 a year in West Virginia buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your West Virginia take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare West Virginia with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with West Virginia as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to West Virginia? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
West Virginia prices by category
| Category | West Virginia | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 89.5 | −10.5% |
| Goods | 96.5 | −3.5% |
| Housing (rent) | 54.2 | −45.8% |
| Utilities | 92.2 | −7.8% |
| Other services | 99.9 | −0.1% |
Low housing costs keep West Virginia affordable: rents run 46% below average. The overall price level fell 0.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (89.6). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in West Virginia, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,089 | $40,911 | $45,712 | $55,868 |
| $75,000 | $15,953 | $59,047 | $65,976 | $83,802 |
| $100,000 | $24,511 | $75,489 | $84,348 | $111,736 |
At $75,000, West Virginia ranks #10 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: West Virginia paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in West Virginia equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to West Virginia. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in West Virginia once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | +3.7% | $77,746 | $76,817 |
| Pennsylvania | +9.0% | $81,767 | $82,643 |
| Maryland | +17.3% | $87,957 | $91,542 |
| Virginia | +13.0% | $84,727 | $88,329 |
| Kentucky | +0.7% | $75,555 | $75,596 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −2.9% | $72,855 | $72,078 |
| Mississippi | −2.8% | $72,868 | $72,051 |
| Iowa | −1.9% | $73,546 | $72,757 |
| Oklahoma | −1.8% | $73,614 | $73,774 |
| California | +23.7% | $92,785 | $100,374 |
| Hawaii | +22.9% | $92,141 | $99,279 |
| Washington, DC | +22.8% | $92,099 | $98,308 |
| New Jersey | +21.6% | $91,180 | $95,903 |
| Texas | +8.4% | $81,335 | $78,471 |
| Florida | +15.6% | $86,663 | $84,433 |
| New York | +20.6% | $90,440 | $95,849 |
Moving from West Virginia to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is West Virginia expensive to live in?
West Virginia has a price level of 89.5 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 10.5% below the national average. It ranks #9 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in West Virginia?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $67,123 in West Virginia before taxes. After West Virginia taxes, $75,000 takes home $59,047 — worth $65,976 at U.S.-average prices, #10 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in West Virginia?
West Virginia's housing price level is 54.2, meaning rents are 45.8% below the national average. Goods are 96.5 and utilities 92.2.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Kentucky (price level 90.2, +0.7% vs West Virginia). A $75,000 West Virginia salary is equivalent to $75,596 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.