Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $758 in West Virginia versus $764 in Wyoming. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 1% cheaper on rent than Wyoming, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $43,146 in West Virginia and $69,171 in Wyoming — about 38% higher in Wyoming. West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax; Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
4%
+2.0 pp in West Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
4.82%
None
+4.8 pp in West Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$758
$764
+1% in Wyoming
Median Home Value
$187,300
$302,200
+61% in Wyoming
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$43,146
$69,171
+60% in Wyoming
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
55.7°F
45.4°F
+10.3°F in West Virginia
West Virginia vs Wyoming — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia or Wyoming?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $758 runs about 1% below Wyoming's $764, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in West Virginia than in Wyoming?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $30,000 a year in West Virginia versus $31,000 in Wyoming.
- Which has lower taxes, West Virginia or Wyoming?
- West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax. Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in West Virginia/Wyoming — 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.