Cost of living in West Virginia: Affordable housing options available statewide. Lower average cost for groceries. Competitive utility prices. Reasonable healthcare expenses. Low property tax rates. Budget-friendly public transportation. Entertainment and recreation costs. Education and school fees manageable. Varied dining costs across regions. Moderate insurance premiums.
Affordable housing options available statewide
In West Virginia, affordable housing options include the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, which assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled in finding decent and affordable housing. Other options include public housing, low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) properties, and Section 202 supportive housing for the elderly, which do not have waiting lists and provide alternative avenues for affordable housing. For more comprehensive guidance, the Affordable Housing Hub provides a detailed overview of the resources available to residents.
Lower average cost for groceries
The cost of living in West Virginia is notably affordable, particularly when it comes to groceries. With average grocery expenses 2.1 percent below the national average, residents in the state spend between $233 and $266 per month on food. This economic advantage makes West Virginia an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. To gain deeper insights into the affordable lifestyle in the state, you can explore more details on the Rent.com Blog.
Competitive utility prices
West Virginia has relatively competitive utility prices, with an average residential electricity rate of 14.69 cents per kilowatt hour, which is lower than the national average of 16.35 cents. The state's average monthly electricity bill is $151.43, and overall utility costs are 6% lower than the national average. For more detailed information on utilities in West Virginia, visit Find Energy.
Reasonable healthcare expenses
Healthcare services in West Virginia are 8% lower than the national average, making them relatively more affordable compared to other states. For those considering a move or just curious about living costs, the Cost of Living Calculator is an invaluable tool to assess various expenses in West Virginia compared to national benchmarks.
Low property tax rates
West Virginia boasts some of the lowest property tax rates in the country, featuring an average effective property tax rate of 0.55%, which ranks as the 10th-lowest state rate in the U.S. and is approximately half of the national average. Property taxes are calculated based on 60% of the appraised market value, and while rates may vary by county, they generally maintain a low threshold. For a detailed analysis of tax rates across the state, you can visit the West Virginia Property Tax Calculator for more information.
Budget-friendly public transportation
In West Virginia, budget-friendly public transportation is available through services like the Tri-State Transit Authority, which offers fares starting at $1.00 for adults, $0.50 for seniors and disabled individuals, and $0.25 for zone fares, with options for 31-Day and Day passes as well.
Entertainment and recreation costs
In West Virginia, entertainment and recreation costs are relatively low. For example, residents spend a median of $30 annually on movie tickets, $39 on social, recreation, and health clubs, and $81 on sporting events, which are among the lowest in the U.S. For more detailed information, you can visit the Cost of Leisure page on the Self Inc. website.
Education and school fees manageable
In West Virginia, the cost of living is 9% lower than the national average, making education and school fees more manageable, especially with lower housing, utilities, and healthcare costs. Additionally, while teacher salaries are lower than the national average, they are competitive when adjusted for the state's low cost of living. For more detailed information, you can check the Cost of Living Calculator, which provides insights into how expenses in West Virginia compare with other regions, offering valuable guidance for budgeting and financial planning.
Varied dining costs across regions
In West Virginia, dining costs vary significantly compared to Virginia, with a basic meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing 18% less, and a fast food combo meal costing 24.4% less. These differences in cost make West Virginia an appealing option for those seeking more affordable dining experiences. For a detailed comparison, visit MyLifeElsewhere to explore cost of living variations between these neighboring states.
Moderate insurance premiums
In West Virginia, the financial demands of maintaining health and car insurance can be significant. Health insurance averages $7,353 per person annually, with a family of four spending $29,410, which is notably above the national mean. Similarly, car insurance premiums are challenging, with full coverage averaging $2,132 and minimum coverage at $562, figures that can vary considerably due to factors such as credit score and driving history. Healthcare costs are particularly burdensome, averaging $712 per month and among the highest in the nation. For a detailed analysis, exploring the State Insurance Information can provide valuable insights into these expenses for West Virginia residents.