Cost of Living in Beckley, WV
Population 16,977 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $39,939, median household incomes in Beckley land roughly 46% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 27% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Beckley lies roughly 125 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Winston-Salem. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Winston-Salem's $208,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Beckley
The median home value in Beckley is $148,800 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $867/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,939/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. West Virginia's top state income tax rate is 6.5% and the combined sales tax is 6.4%. The climate averages highs of 62.3°F and lows of 43.5°F, with about 55.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Beckley has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 41 | 44 | 53 | 64 | 72 | 78 | 81 | 80 | 74 | 64 | 53 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 27 | 33 | 43 | 51 | 59 | 62 | 61 | 55 | 44 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.13 | 3.12 | 4.03 | 3.58 | 4.68 | 4.30 | 5.00 | 3.68 | 3.20 | 2.73 | 2.80 | 3.29 |
| Snow" | 15.5 | 15.2 | 8.9 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 2.3 | 11.1 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Beckley, WV?
Beckley has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Beckley, WV?
The median gross rent in Beckley is $867 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Beckley?
The median home value in Beckley is $148,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Beckley?
The median household income in Beckley is $39,939 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Beckley, WV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Beckley is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.
Is Beckley, WV affordable?
Yes, Beckley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Beckley?
Beckley has average high temperatures of 62.3°F and average lows of 43.5°F. Annual precipitation is 43.5". Average annual snowfall is 55.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Beckley at a Glance
- Population
- 16,977
- Median Income
- $39,939
- Home Value
- $148,800
- Median Rent
- $867/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
West Virginia Rankings
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