Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,166 in Utah versus $758 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 35% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $74,925 in Utah and $43,146 in West Virginia — about 42% higher in Utah. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% 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
6.1%
6%
+0.1 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
4.50%
4.82%
+0.3 pp in West Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,166
$758
+35% in Utah
Median Home Value
$437,100
$187,300
+57% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$74,925
$43,146
+42% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.8°F
55.7°F
+2.9°F in West Virginia
Utah vs West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Utah or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $758 runs about 35% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Utah 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 $47,000 a year in Utah versus $30,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Utah or West Virginia?
- Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% 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 Utah/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.