Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Ohio versus $668 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 18% cheaper on rent than Ohio, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $51,707 in Ohio and $64,512 in West Virginia — about 20% higher in West Virginia. Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% 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
5.75%
6%
+0.3 pp in West Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
2.75%
4.82%
+2.1 pp in West Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$817
$668
+18% in Ohio
Median Home Value
$215,300
$187,300
+13% in Ohio
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$51,707
$64,512
+25% in West Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
55.7°F
+3.0°F in West Virginia
Ohio vs West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $668 runs about 18% below Ohio's $817, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Ohio 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 $33,000 a year in Ohio versus $27,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Ohio or West Virginia?
- Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% 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 3/1 cities we track in Ohio/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.