West Virginia Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 55 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$760/mo
Average Home Value
$141,022
Average Owner Cost
$580/mo
At a Glance
Housing Costs in West Virginia: An Overview
The median rent in West Virginia is $760 per month, which is 35% below the national median of $1,163. This makes the state relatively affordable compared to much of the country.
Within West Virginia, housing costs vary significantly by county. Berkeley County is the most expensive county with a median rent of $1,238 per month and a median home value of $248,000. At the other end of the spectrum, Calhoun County offers the most affordable housing, with a median rent of $483 per month and homes valued at a median of $111,200.
The average home value across West Virginia counties is $141,022, 50% lower than the national median of $281,900. With a median household income of roughly $54,746, homeownership remains within reach for many households.
Before moving to West Virginia, it is worth understanding the local housing landscape. Costs can swing dramatically between rural and urban counties, so researching the specific county you plan to live in is essential. Use the county-level data below to compare rent, home values, and affordability ratings so you can budget accurately for your relocation.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in West Virginia
How median rents are spread across 55 counties
Top 5 Most Expensive Counties
Top 5 Most Affordable Counties
All West Virginia Counties
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley County | Moderate$1,238/mo | $248,000 | $1,218/mo | 29.0% |
| Jefferson County | Moderate$1,103/mo | $324,500 | $1,460/mo | 27.0% |
| Putnam County | Affordable$975/mo | $214,200 | $887/mo | 26.0% |
| Monongalia County | Affordable$943/mo | $254,200 | $974/mo | 33.0% |
| Summers County | Affordable$922/mo | $126,100 | $464/mo | 23.0% |
| Marion County | Affordable$901/mo | $164,300 | $706/mo | 27.0% |
| Wayne County | Affordable$883/mo | $124,900 | $531/mo | 25.0% |
| Kanawha County | Affordable$879/mo | $135,000 | $698/mo | 27.0% |
| Cabell County | Affordable$877/mo | $156,100 | $753/mo | 34.0% |
| Harrison County | Affordable$848/mo | $158,500 | $637/mo | 28.0% |
| Raleigh County | Affordable$847/mo | $142,600 | $651/mo | 31.0% |
| Greenbrier County | Affordable$834/mo | $136,300 | $599/mo | 32.0% |
| Morgan County | Affordable$832/mo | $223,100 | $863/mo | 27.0% |
| Doddridge County | Affordable$827/mo | $160,000 | $380/mo | 26.0% |
| Boone County | Affordable$823/mo | $90,300 | $490/mo | 29.0% |
| Marshall County | Affordable$823/mo | $139,800 | $580/mo | 29.0% |
| Ohio County | Affordable$823/mo | $165,300 | $689/mo | 31.0% |
| Hardy County | Affordable$820/mo | $159,700 | $562/mo | 23.0% |
| Mercer County | Affordable$813/mo | $118,600 | $516/mo | 31.0% |
| Randolph County | Affordable$807/mo | $137,800 | $511/mo | 27.0% |
| Barbour County | Affordable$803/mo | $126,000 | $497/mo | 24.0% |
| Upshur County | Affordable$799/mo | $160,700 | $702/mo | 30.0% |
| Wood County | Affordable$789/mo | $153,700 | $653/mo | 30.0% |
| Fayette County | Affordable$777/mo | $104,200 | $583/mo | 30.0% |
| Hancock County | Affordable$766/mo | $119,600 | $592/mo | 26.0% |
| Gilmer County | Affordable$764/mo | $83,300 | $340/mo | 25.0% |
| Pendleton County | Affordable$754/mo | $178,600 | $462/mo | 24.0% |
| Preston County | Affordable$753/mo | $157,700 | $618/mo | 28.0% |
| Lewis County | Affordable$737/mo | $135,800 | $508/mo | 27.0% |
| Wyoming County | Affordable$737/mo | $78,400 | $426/mo | 31.0% |
| Hampshire County | Affordable$732/mo | $204,600 | $619/mo | 22.0% |
| Lincoln County | Affordable$727/mo | $103,400 | $422/mo | 23.0% |
| Jackson County | Affordable$720/mo | $154,600 | $576/mo | 25.0% |
| Tyler County | Affordable$707/mo | $112,100 | $434/mo | 27.0% |
| Logan County | Affordable$704/mo | $101,500 | $502/mo | 25.0% |
| Wetzel County | Affordable$703/mo | $102,800 | $479/mo | 26.0% |
| Pleasants County | Affordable$700/mo | $129,300 | $578/mo | 28.0% |
| Tucker County | Affordable$689/mo | $144,700 | $570/mo | 28.0% |
| Pocahontas County | Affordable$688/mo | $139,400 | $490/mo | 24.0% |
| Webster County | Affordable$687/mo | $78,000 | $446/mo | 34.0% |
| McDowell County | Affordable$686/mo | $49,200 | $361/mo | 29.0% |
| Mineral County | Affordable$684/mo | $180,400 | $598/mo | 27.0% |
| Monroe County | Affordable$677/mo | $146,100 | $568/mo | 24.0% |
| Taylor County | Affordable$672/mo | $144,000 | $602/mo | 27.0% |
| Nicholas County | Affordable$669/mo | $114,200 | $525/mo | 26.0% |
| Mason County | Affordable$654/mo | $127,400 | $556/mo | 25.0% |
| Grant County | Affordable$612/mo | $167,500 | $613/mo | 33.0% |
| Mingo County | Affordable$604/mo | $85,600 | $428/mo | 22.0% |
| Brooke County | Affordable$603/mo | $127,700 | $581/mo | 26.0% |
| Roane County | Affordable$590/mo | $121,100 | $448/mo | 29.0% |
| Clay County | Affordable$589/mo | $107,100 | $437/mo | 39.0% |
| Ritchie County | Affordable$583/mo | $107,800 | $342/mo | 25.0% |
| Braxton County | Affordable$578/mo | $106,400 | $374/mo | 22.0% |
| Wirt County | Affordable$575/mo | $112,800 | $503/mo | 29.0% |
| Calhoun County | Affordable$483/mo | $111,200 | $316/mo | 20.0% |
Compare West Virginia to Other States
See how West Virginia counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About West Virginia Housing Costs
What is the most affordable county in West Virginia?
What is the most expensive county to live in West Virginia?
How does West Virginia's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in West Virginia?
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Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.