Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Maine versus $758 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 15% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $58,096 in Maine and $43,146 in West Virginia — about 26% higher in Maine. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
6%
+0.5 pp in West Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
4.82%
+2.3 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$758
+15% in Maine
Median Home Value
$214,200
$187,300
+13% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$58,096
$43,146
+26% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
45.8°F
55.7°F
+9.9°F in West Virginia
Maine vs West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $758 runs about 15% below Maine's $889, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine than in West Virginia?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Maine versus $30,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or West Virginia?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax. West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Maine/West Virginia — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.