Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,080 in Oregon versus $668 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 38% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,900 in Oregon and $64,512 in West Virginia — about 10% higher in Oregon. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no 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
None
6%
+6.0 pp in West Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
9.90%
4.82%
+5.1 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,080
$668
+38% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$435,400
$187,300
+57% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,900
$64,512
+10% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.0°F
55.7°F
+2.7°F in West Virginia
Oregon vs West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Oregon or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $668 runs about 38% below Oregon's $1,080, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Oregon 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 $43,000 a year in Oregon versus $27,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Oregon or West Virginia?
- Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no 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 Oregon/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.