Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $978 in New Jersey versus $668 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than New Jersey, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,416 in New Jersey and $64,512 in West Virginia — about 25% higher in West Virginia. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax; West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
New Jersey vs West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $668 runs about 32% below New Jersey's $978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New Jersey 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 $39,000 a year in New Jersey versus $27,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or West Virginia?
- New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% 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 New Jersey/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.