Cost of Living in Wheeling, WV
Population 26,670 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Wheeling cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $143,000, rents near $795 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Wheeling is about 45 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Pittsburgh's $193,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wheeling
The median home value in Wheeling is $142,500 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $795/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,498/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, 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 61.2°F and lows of 43.1°F. Overall, Wheeling has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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 | 37 | 40 | 50 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 83 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 51 | 41 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 31 | 42 | 51 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 55 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 2.75 | 2.15 | 2.99 | 3.14 | 4.00 | 4.14 | 3.35 | 3.74 | 3.21 | 2.81 | 2.65 | 2.62 |
💨 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 Wheeling, WV?
Wheeling has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Wheeling, WV?
The median gross rent in Wheeling is $795 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wheeling?
The median home value in Wheeling is $142,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wheeling?
The median household income in Wheeling is $48,498 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wheeling, WV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wheeling is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.
Is Wheeling, WV affordable?
Yes, Wheeling is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Wheeling?
Wheeling has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 43.1°F. Annual precipitation is 37.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Wheeling at a Glance
- Population
- 26,670
- Median Income
- $48,498
- Home Value
- $142,500
- Median Rent
- $795/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°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