West Virginia is a blend of many historic sites, hikes, state parks, etc. However, you cannot judge a book by its cover. The ghost towns of West Virginia are exciting to explore. But, what do you think about the cost of living in West Virginia?
Do you feel it is expensive?
Although it has some best destinations to visit, the cost of living is less than the US national average of 100.
One can afford to live here at reasonable costs because of the smaller costs of West Virginia. The average cost of a house in West Virginia starts from $132,638, and below are other details.
Is it expensive to live in West Virginia?
A big “No” to this one! Living in West Virginia has a lower cost of living, and groceries, house rents, hospital spending, and other daily routine expenses are fewer than your expectations. Even the typical married-couple family needs only a few dollars to live comfortably in West Virginia.
Is WV a cheap state to live in?
Yes! There are seven metropolitan areas in West Virginia, and the Morgantown metro area is an expensive state. However, the West Virginia cost of living proves that this mountain state is cheap to live and raise a family.
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Cost of living in West Virginia in 2022
If you are Moving to West Virginia, know that there is a low cost of living. Also, the national average cost is more than the overall cost of living in West Virginia by 10%. Additionally, 52,000 is the median household income in the US. You can live easily with that in most towns in West Virginia.
1. Groceries Prices in West Virginia
The grocery rate in West Virginia is 95.8% which is less than the United States Average grocery rate of 100. A regular bread (0.5kg or 1.1lb) can cost you up to $2.5 only.
Are groceries expensive in West Virginia?
No! The grocery prices are routine daily expenses, and it varies as per the grocery choices. On average, the grocery prices are less than 18 percent in West Virginia than in Washington DC.
How much are groceries in West Virginia?
West Virginia is an affordable state to live a happy life in the presence of nature. However, if you are a single adult, you have to pay $2,962 yearly for groceries in West Virginia. Similarly, if you are a family of four, you have to pay $8,555 on groceries in West Virginia.
How much should I budget for groceries in West Virginia?
You have understood the yearly cost of groceries for a family of four and a single adult from the above. Thus, you should have a grocery budget range of $3,000 to $9,000 annually.
2. Prices of Utilities
The out-of-state-local utility bills ranged from $31 to $378. The rate of utilities in West Virginia is 85.9% which is less than the US national average rate of 100.
How expensive are utilities in West Virginia?
The residential utility cost of service in West Virginia is lower than in all states. As a result, the cost of utilities is cheaper. The average price of utilities in West Virginia is $341, and the average gas bill in West Virginia is about $92.95.
How much is the electric bill in West Virginia?
$150 is the recent cost of electricity for 1,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) in West Virginia. Similarly, a few dollars increase the value of the cost of an electric bill of 2,000 kWh is $253.29.
How much are water and sewer a month in West Virginia?
The cost of a 1-inch water meter is $89.16 per month. According to the World Population Review, West Virginia residents pay an average of $72 monthly. Similarly, a single-family needs to pay an amount of $30.81 monthly towards the sewer. However, the cost of sewer changes as per the property type.
3. Cost For Healthcare in West Virginia
West Virginia cost of living calculator states that the healthcare rate is 106%, which is more than the US national average of 100. That means the healthcare costs and insurance coverages are high in West Virginia.
Is West Virginia healthcare more expensive?
Yes! The cost of healthcare in West Virginia is expensive, and it was raised by 6.82% in 2021 compared to the rates in 2020. The average price of healthcare for a single adult is $5,492 annually, and it differs up to $16,521 per year.
Is healthcare free in West Virginia?
Yes! A scheme called West Virginia Chip was introduced in this state. Under this, the state offers a free or low-cost healthcare program for the locals, and it covers low-income children from birth to 19 years of age.
How much does Obamacare cost in West Virginia?
Obamacare offers three health insurance plans, namely Bronze, Silver, and Gold, for residents in West Virginia. People under 20 can cost up to $175.18, $209.94, and $259.24, respectively. However, the cost differs when the age of an individual increase. For example, the cost will differ for people 30 and above.
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4. West Virginia Home Prices
The housing rate in West Virginia is 41.7%, which is less than half of the US national average. As a result, you can only buy a regular home for $115,000. Isn’t that great to build your dream house in a natural state like West Virginia?
What is the average cost of a house in West Virginia?
Housing cost is yet another factor to consider in the cost of living in West Virginia. However, it would be better to build your dream house in this state, and the average cost of a house in West Virginia is $132,638.
Which West Virginia island is the cheapest to buy a house on?
First, you can buy a riverfront property at $335, two miles away from Sandstone Falls. However, the cheapest island to buy a house on is Wheeling Island, with only a home price of $59,950.
Will West Virginia home prices drop?
West Virginia home costs are fluctuating. Thus, the home values are increasing by 0.92% month by month. Also, the housing inventory is starting to grow, and the market will be excellent for the fixed future time.
5. Education in West Virginia
West Virginia stands on number 50th for educational attainability. However, it provides quality education to all students and stands at 42 for providing quality education.
The following table with the best universities will provide you with the exact fee range in West Virginia.
| Universities | In-State Fees ($) | Out-of-State Fees ($) |
| West Virginia University | 8,976 | 25,320 |
| Marshall University | 8,552 | 19,606 |
| West Virginia State University | 8,437 | 14,125 |
| West Virginia University Institute of Technology | 1,794 | 18,912 |
| West Virginia University Parkersburg | 3,890 | 8,642 |
Is education free in West Virginia?
Yes! A few years back, Jim Justice approved a plan. According to this plan, students in West Virginia will get associate degrees and free tuition and fees for certificates at community and technical colleges in West Virginia.
Is college cheaper in West Virginia?
Yes! Students in West Virginia can easily afford college for four years. The tuition rate starts from $9,144 for in-state tuition and fees, $25,824 for out-of-state, and the cost of room and board is $11,254 only.
Are universities in West Virginia expensive?
Yes! If you see the college lists, the University of Charleston, situated in Charleston, West Virginia, is an expensive university with a cost of $44,500 for in-state students.
6. West Virginia Tax Rates
An average working adult has to pay an amount of $6,007 per year towards taxes in West Virginia, and it is lower than the national average amount of $6,542.
Is tax cheaper in West Virginia?
Yes! You will see the lowest property tax rate in West Virginia in the US with cheap sales taxes. Some other types of taxes, including the social security benefits, are enforced in West Virginia. However, older adults can demand a deduction.
Are taxes higher in Florida or West Virginia?
No! Florida has a 5.50% income tax, 6% sales tax, and a local sales tax of 2%. On the other hand, the West Virginia income tax rate ranges between 3% to 6.50%, 6% sales tax, and 1% local sales tax. Thus, it is observed that both have a bit of fluctuating rates.
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7. West Virginia Public Transportation
The transportation rate in West Virginia is 90.1%, less than the US national average of 100. Thus, considering the average prices and motorist drive to work, a motorist can spend up to $1,000 per year on transportation.
How much does transportation cost in West Virginia?
The cost of transportation varies as per the rides and the traveler. However, traveling from Fairmont to Morgantown by bus can cost between $1 to $65, which takes less than half-hour.
How much do bus rides cost in West Virginia?
There are 15 cities in West Virginia with bus services. The bus tickets averagely cost between $50 to $60 to travel using the top routes. You can only buy the cheapest ticket at $1, and the most expensive is about $247.
8. Average Cost for Energy & Fuels
Energy and fuel costs are reasonable in West Virginia, and Morgantown is the most famous place in West Virginia. The average energy cost ranges from $143 to $147.71 per month. However, note that the prices can be changed.
What are the fuel prices in West Virginia?
The fuel costs have changed, but these are the prices imposed in West Virginia. The current average price for regular fuel is $4.633; diesel fuels are $5.674. However, a month back, these prices were different.
Why are gas prices so high in West Virginia?
West Virginia charges a state tax of 33.4 cents per gallon, and a federal tax is 18.4 cents per gallon. Also, you have to pay 51.8 cents per gallon when you fill. These small paying taxes make gas prices so high in West Virginia.
9. Miscellaneous Things
We are considering the cost of movie tickets, clothing, a visit to a doctor, gym membership, haircut, and sneakers in the miscellaneous things. The following table will show you the average prices in West Virginia for those things.
| Miscellaneous things | Average costs |
| Movie tickets (adults) | $13.69 |
| Clothing (branded jeans) | $32.6 |
| Visit a Doctor | $108 |
| Gym Membership (monthly fee for an adult) | $28.7 |
| Haircut | $16.4 |
| Sneakers | $77.4 |
However, despite movies and shopping, you can explore the whole mountain state within things to do in West Virginia.
Comparison Table of Living Things
This blog section considers the prices of daycare or preschool, rent, salaries, dinner in mid-range restaurants, and local transport tickets in the following comparison table.
| Living things | Average costs |
| Daycare or Preschool (one-month fee) | $892 |
| Rent (1 bedroom apartment downtown) | $870 |
| Salaries (after tax) | $3,261 |
| Dinner in Mid-Range restaurants (2 people) | $45.9 |
| Transport Tickets (local) | $1.91 |
So, these are the different costs you will need to pay when you live in West Virginia. Our job is not done yet! One last tip we want to add here. Don’t forget to go on the best hikes in West Virginia when you move here; start exploring West Virginia and its mysteries.
Cost of living in West Virginia FAQs
How much do you need to live comfortably in West Virginia?
The average cost of living is 78.1, less than the US national average of 100, and the cost of living varies according to your home area. However, it would be better to earn at least $39,963 to $42,000 yearly to live comfortably in West Virginia.
Conclusion
That’s what we have!
The cost of living in West Virginia matters when you have decided to settle down in this mountain state. This state has many thrilling activities to perform, state parks to enjoy, and historical sites to experience a past life. However, what matters more is money.
Scared?
Well, let us be clear that whether it comes with many facilities for its residents, the cost of living is lower than your expectations. You can complete your child’s education in an international primary school for only $10069. Don’t you think it’s cheaper than other international schools? Well, it is!
You also learned about different costs, including groceries, utilities, healthcare, taxes, etc., of West Virginia.
In the end, we hope that this blog will help you in a better way. Leave a comment if you need more information on any of the above topics.
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