Cost of Living in Morgantown, WV
Population 30,273 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Morgantown's median household income of $42,245 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (34% here). At 7.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 55 miles south of Pittsburgh, Morgantown is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Morgantown
The median home value in Morgantown is $238,200 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $888/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,245/year is 43% 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 63.8°F and lows of 43.9°F. Overall, Morgantown has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% 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 | 40 | 44 | 53 | 65 | 74 | 81 | 84 | 83 | 77 | 66 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 33 | 42 | 52 | 60 | 64 | 63 | 56 | 45 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.12 | 2.81 | 3.65 | 3.87 | 4.33 | 4.07 | 4.93 | 3.65 | 3.41 | 3.09 | 3.02 | 3.20 |
💨 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 Morgantown, WV?
Morgantown has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Morgantown, WV?
The median gross rent in Morgantown is $888 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Morgantown?
The median home value in Morgantown is $238,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Morgantown?
The median household income in Morgantown is $42,245 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Morgantown, WV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Morgantown is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.
Is Morgantown, WV affordable?
Yes, Morgantown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Morgantown?
Morgantown has average high temperatures of 63.8°F and average lows of 43.9°F. Annual precipitation is 43.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Morgantown at a Glance
- Population
- 30,273
- Median Income
- $42,245
- Home Value
- $238,200
- Median Rent
- $888/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
West Virginia Rankings
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