Cost of Living in Huntington, WV

Population 46,189 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Huntington run well below national norms — a median of $43,146 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $119,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 115 miles south of Columbus, Huntington is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 49% lower than Columbus' $235,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 39
Rent 66

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Huntington

The median home value in Huntington is $118,800 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $863/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,146/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, above 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 66.6°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 19.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Huntington has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$118,800
61% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$136,892
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$863/mo
34% below avg
Zillow Rent
$967/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$658
1 BR
$729
2 BR
$883
3 BR
$1,182
4 BR
$1,304
Owner-occupied 52.5%
Renter-occupied 47.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$863
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,477/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.3 min
25% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.9%
Carpooled
11.1%
Public transit
1.6%
Walked
4.6%
Bicycle
1.0%
Work from home
8.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.5%
Total Sales Tax 6.4%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$43,146
42% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,024
Unemployment Rate
7.6%
58% above avg
Poverty Rate
27.4%
Labor Force Participation
56.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.7%
Graduate degree 15.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.9
Male median age 34.4
Female median age 35.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.6°F
Avg Low
46.3°F
Annual Precip
45.1"
Annual Snowfall
19.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 434757697683868680695747
Low °F 262936465462666558463730
Precip" 3.103.374.163.914.514.205.083.953.163.023.073.57
Snow" 6.05.84.30.30.00.00.00.00.00.20.52.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
76.9%
Good air days/yr
144
Max AQI recorded
78
PM2.5 days
195
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

90%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
26
Public schools
12,189
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Huntington, WV?

Huntington has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Huntington, WV?

The median gross rent in Huntington is $863 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Huntington?

The median home value in Huntington is $118,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Huntington?

The median household income in Huntington is $43,146 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Huntington, WV?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Huntington is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.

Is Huntington, WV affordable?

Yes, Huntington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Huntington?

Huntington has average high temperatures of 66.6°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 45.1". Average annual snowfall is 19.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Huntington at a Glance

Population
46,189
Median Income
$43,146
Home Value
$118,800
Median Rent
$863/mo
Unemployment
7.6%
Avg High Temp
66.6°F
Sales Tax
6.4%
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