Cost of Living in Martinsburg, WV
Population 18,805 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Martinsburg a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $232,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 60 miles northwest of Arlington, Martinsburg is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 73% lower than Arlington's $865,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Martinsburg
The median home value in Martinsburg is $231,900 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,090/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,590/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, 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 64.8°F and lows of 43.4°F. Overall, Martinsburg has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% 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 | 45 | 54 | 65 | 74 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 67 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 24 | 25 | 32 | 42 | 51 | 60 | 65 | 63 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 2.60 | 2.14 | 3.42 | 3.36 | 4.05 | 3.85 | 3.78 | 3.02 | 4.03 | 2.99 | 2.73 | 3.00 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Martinsburg, WV?
Martinsburg has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Martinsburg, WV?
The median gross rent in Martinsburg is $1,090 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Martinsburg?
The median home value in Martinsburg is $231,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Martinsburg?
The median household income in Martinsburg is $54,590 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Martinsburg, WV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Martinsburg is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.
Is Martinsburg, WV affordable?
Yes, Martinsburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Martinsburg?
Martinsburg has average high temperatures of 64.8°F and average lows of 43.4°F. Annual precipitation is 39". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Martinsburg at a Glance
- Population
- 18,805
- Median Income
- $54,590
- Home Value
- $231,900
- Median Rent
- $1,090/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
West Virginia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs