West Virginia's cost of living index is 84 — 16.0% below the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
84
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
-16.0%
Less expensive
Median Income
$48,037
West Virginia median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$57,187
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 84 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | 16.0% | Below average cost |
| Median Household Income | $48,037 | West Virginia median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $57,187 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Low | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 1,793,716 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 84, West Virginia is 16% below the national average. Lower costs in West Virginia mean your dollar goes further. A salary of $48,037 in West Virginia provides the equivalent purchasing power of $57,187 in a state at the national average.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.West Virginia's median home price of $155,000 is well below the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (6.5% top rate in West Virginia), sales tax (6.00% state rate), and local property tax rates (0.59%).
