West Virginia cost of living
Whether you’re moving to West Virginia to be close to family, to start a new job or to enjoy the Appalachians, it can seem like there are a million details to consider. Figuring out the practical matters like cost of living can help ease the transition to your new home so you can focus on finding the right place, settling in and making new friends.
The median rent in West Virginia is $920.67, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in West Virginia spend $239.24 weekly on food at home and $87.12 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.38 in West Virginia.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in West Virginia pay $1,694 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in West Virginia
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in West Virginia is $920.67, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in West Virginia broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in West Virginia had a median cost of $637 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $814 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $932 and $1,107, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in West Virginia is $333,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Martinsburg metro (which includes nearby Hagerstown, Maryland) was $288,400, which is higher than Charleston's but still lower than the state median home price in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
West Virginia ranks No. 44 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.57%.
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Food costs in West Virginia
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in West Virginia is $239.24, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. West Virginia residents spend an average of $87.12 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in West Virginia
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in West Virginia is $3.38, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in West Virginia is $1,064.53, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
As of publishing, the public transit system in West Virginia consists mainly of a bus network operated by 18 different transit agencies that serve 32 counties in the state. Fares vary depending on the service area. For example, Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority, which has 20 fixed routes around Charleston, has a flat fare of $1.50 at the time of publishing, while the Tri-State Transit Authority, which offers bus service in Huntington, has a $1 bus fare.
Health care costs in West Virginia
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost West Virginia employees $1,694 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,371 of the $8,065 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in West Virginia
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in West Virginia is $142.13, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in West Virginia costs $13.76 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.37 nationally (as of November 2023).
FAQ
How does the cost of living in West Virginia compare with the national average?
You can expect the cost of living in West Virginia to be a bit lower than in many other states — the costs of renting, homeownership and transportation are lower than throughout the U.S. It’s important to note that you might not see savings in health care or utility costs, however.
What are the most expensive cities in West Virginia?
As of publishing, Charles Town, Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry — all on the eastern side of the state near Washington, D.C. — are some of the most expensive cities in West Virginia based on median home sales price.
What is there to do in West Virginia?
The state is “almost heaven” for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring six national parks, 36 state parks and 12 million acres of forest land.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
