Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,331 in Maine versus $668 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 50% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $76,174 in Maine and $64,512 in West Virginia — about 15% 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
$1,331
$668
+50% in Maine
Median Home Value
$452,600
$187,300
+59% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$76,174
$64,512
+15% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.5°F
55.7°F
+9.2°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 $668 runs about 50% below Maine's $1,331, 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 $53,000 a year in Maine versus $27,000 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 1/1 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.