Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
West Virginia's overall cost of living index is about 90.7, roughly 9% below the U.S. average.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 89.5 | 100 |
- •West Virginia's affordability is driven mainly by its housing costs, which run far below the national average.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in West Virginia are about 32% below the national average, the lowest of any U.S. state.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 54.2 | 100 |
- •West Virginia routinely ranks #1 in the nation for housing affordability.
Utility Costs
Utility costs in West Virginia are roughly on par with the national average, at about 101.8.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (South region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU030072610).
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 92.2 | 100 |
- •West Virginia generates most of its own electricity from coal, yet utility bills remain close to the national average.
Food Costs
Grocery and food costs in West Virginia run about 5% below the national average.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96.5 | 100 |
- •Despite low overall living costs, West Virginia's grocery prices are closer to the national average than its housing costs.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in West Virginia run about 6% above the national average, despite the state's low overall cost of living.
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Cost Index | 106.4 | 100 |
- •West Virginia has one of the oldest populations in the country, which drives up per-capita healthcare spending.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in West Virginia are about 6.5% below the national average.
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Central Atlantic region (PADD 1B), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1Y_DPG).
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.36 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •West Virginia's mountainous terrain lengthens many commutes even though transportation costs remain below the national average.