Cost of Living in West Virginia
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 430 cities in WV. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in West Virginia is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in West Virginia, with comparisons to national averages.
West Virginia's average home value of $103,536 is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $43,085, and average monthly rent is $438.
Most Affordable Cities in West Virginia
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bluefield | $101,000 | $790/mo | $43,826 | 9,511 |
| 2 | Moundsville | $108,500 | $801/mo | $48,590 | 7,934 |
| 3 | Oak Hill | $110,400 | $826/mo | $51,799 | 8,057 |
| 4 | New Martinsville | $112,600 | $718/mo | $51,226 | 5,175 |
| 5 | Parkersburg | $113,900 | $746/mo | $44,675 | 29,461 |
| 6 | Clarksburg | $114,600 | $775/mo | $46,859 | 15,829 |
| 7 | Princeton | $115,800 | $830/mo | $44,428 | 5,780 |
| 8 | Huntington | $118,800 | $863/mo | $43,146 | 46,189 |
| 9 | Nitro | $120,400 | $916/mo | $52,247 | 6,941 |
| 10 | Dunbar | $121,100 | $904/mo | $54,647 | 7,340 |
| 11 | Weirton | $122,800 | $750/mo | $56,699 | 18,785 |
| 12 | Elkins | $130,500 | $897/mo | $47,746 | 6,875 |
| 13 | St. Albans | $131,800 | $888/mo | $58,788 | 10,637 |
| 14 | Wheeling | $142,500 | $795/mo | $48,498 | 26,670 |
| 15 | Cross Lanes | $144,000 | $916/mo | $62,704 | 10,172 |
Most Expensive Cities in West Virginia
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Town | $359,500 | $1,086/mo | $94,830 | 6,854 |
| 2 | Cheat Lake | $345,500 | $1,113/mo | $111,379 | 10,485 |
| 3 | Bridgeport | $276,700 | $1,227/mo | $99,936 | 9,292 |
| 4 | Teays Valley | $271,900 | $1,238/mo | $106,798 | 13,961 |
| 5 | Brookhaven | $254,500 | $1,077/mo | $84,962 | 6,465 |
| 6 | Morgantown | $238,200 | $888/mo | $42,245 | 30,273 |
| 7 | Martinsburg | $231,900 | $1,090/mo | $54,590 | 18,805 |
| 8 | Ranson corporation, West Virginia | $220,700 | $1,520/mo | $86,378 | 5,588 |
| 9 | Hurricane | $190,400 | $854/mo | $67,083 | 6,891 |
| 10 | Charleston | $187,300 | $898/mo | $64,512 | 47,918 |
Highest Income Cities in West Virginia
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cheat Lake | $111,379 | $345,500 | 10,485 |
| 2 | Teays Valley | $106,798 | $271,900 | 13,961 |
| 3 | Bridgeport | $99,936 | $276,700 | 9,292 |
| 4 | Charles Town | $94,830 | $359,500 | 6,854 |
| 5 | Ranson corporation, West Virginia | $86,378 | $220,700 | 5,588 |
| 6 | Brookhaven | $84,962 | $254,500 | 6,465 |
| 7 | Pea Ridge | $67,708 | $186,900 | 7,188 |
| 8 | Hurricane | $67,083 | $190,400 | 6,891 |
| 9 | Vienna | $65,211 | $155,500 | 10,575 |
| 10 | Charleston | $64,512 | $187,300 | 47,918 |
Cost of Living FAQ — West Virginia
What is the average cost of living in West Virginia?
The average median home value across West Virginia cities is $103,536, with average rent of $438/month. The average median household income is $43,085.
What are the cheapest cities in West Virginia?
The most affordable cities in West Virginia by home value include Bluefield ($101,000), Moundsville ($108,500), Oak Hill ($110,400).
What is the most expensive city in West Virginia?
The most expensive city in West Virginia is Charles Town with a median home value of $359,500.
How does West Virginia compare to the national average?
West Virginia's average home value of $103,536 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $438/month is below the US average of $1,163.