Cheapest Places to Live in West Virginia

West Virginia, known for its rugged mountains, scenic beauty, and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique and affordable living experience. Landmarks such as the New River Gorge Bridge, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and the Greenbrier Resort highlight the state's attractions. The state's economy is largely driven by sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and tourism. West Virginia's tax structure includes relatively low income and property taxes, contributing to its overall affordability. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, West Virginia remains one of the more affordable states in the eastern region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes West Virginia an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in West Virginia can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in West Virginia include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its natural beauty and community spirit, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Grafton Population: 5,035 6% cheaper than West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $77,500 Med. Rent: $553 Med. Household Inc.: $34,555

With a cost of living index that is 6% cheaper than the state average, Grafton is the cheapest place to live in West Virginia. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Grafton provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Moundsville Population: 8,356 5% cheaper than West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $79,500 Med. Rent: $567 Med. Household Inc.: $33,399

The second most affordable city in West Virginia is Moundsville and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 5% cheaper than the West Virginia average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Clarksburg Population: 15,743 3% cheaper than West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $88,600 Med. Rent: $679 Med. Household Inc.: $41,226

Clarksburg lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in West Virginia, with a cost of living that is 3% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Bluefield Population: 9,776 3% cheaper than West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $78,900 Med. Rent: $695 Med. Household Inc.: $35,650

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Bluefield offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 3% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

New Martinsville Population: 5,123 2% cheaper than West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $95,300 Med. Rent: $718 Med. Household Inc.: $45,303

For those wanting to live well on a budget, New Martinsville is ideal, with a cost of living that is 2% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the West Virginia average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Parkersburg Population: 29,732 2% cheaper than West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $89,800 Med. Rent: $671 Med. Household Inc.: $37,933

Parkersburg comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in West Virginia and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 2% cheaper than West Virginia. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Oak Hill Population: 8,249 1% cheaper than West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $106,600 Med. Rent: $532 Med. Household Inc.: $43,083

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Oak Hill is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Princeton Population: 5,740 equal to West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $99,100 Med. Rent: $714 Med. Household Inc.: $41,925

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Princeton fits that mold and has a cost of living that is equal to West Virginia.

Huntington Population: 46,139 1% more expensive than West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $100,300 Med. Rent: $727 Med. Household Inc.: $33,012

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Huntington is one of the most affordable cities in West Virginia, and has a cost of living that is 1% more expensive than the state average.

Nitro Population: 6,498 1% more expensive than West Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $104,000 Med. Rent: $700 Med. Household Inc.: $43,564

With a cost of living that is 1% more expensive than West Virginia, Nitro comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in West Virginia. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in West Virginia

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Grafton	5,035	80	$77,500	$34,555
2	Moundsville	8,356	81	$79,500	$33,399
3	Clarksburg	15,743	83	$88,600	$41,226
4	Bluefield	9,776	83	$78,900	$35,650
5	New Martinsville	5,123	84	$95,300	$45,303
6	Parkersburg	29,732	84	$89,800	$37,933
7	Oak Hill	8,249	85	$106,600	$43,083
8	Princeton	5,740	86	$99,100	$41,925
9	Huntington	46,139	86	$100,300	$33,012
10	Nitro	6,498	86	$104,000	$43,564
11	Dunbar	7,166	86	$98,400	$39,688
12	Elkins	7,017	87	$120,100	$38,910
13	Fairmont	18,443	87	$117,000	$45,540
14	Weirton	18,458	87	$94,000	$50,822
15	Buckhannon	5,473	88	$128,900	$42,287
16	Beckley	16,240	88	$109,300	$42,972
17	South Charleston	12,461	89	$127,500	$51,021
18	St. Albans	10,078	89	$123,200	$50,969
19	Vienna	10,261	89	$137,700	$55,181
20	Wheeling	27,046	89	$110,900	$41,911
21	Cross Lanes	9,517	91	$134,900	$53,813
22	Hurricane	6,225	92	$149,000	$62,308
23	Charleston	47,273	93	$156,900	$49,769
24	Pea Ridge	6,854	93	$154,800	$47,321
25	Brookhaven	6,293	96	$199,900	$69,556
26	Morgantown	30,953	99	$215,000	$42,474
27	Martinsburg	17,517	102	$162,200	$44,363
28	Bridgeport	8,675	103	$229,500	$84,295
29	Teays Valley	13,729	103	$231,400	$88,865
30	Ranson	5,217	107	$195,100	$69,544
31	Cheat Lake	9,559	111	$294,800	$95,450
32	Charles Town	5,985	113	$265,900	$77,552

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in West Virginia, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.