Cost of Living in Morgantown, WV

Is it worth moving here?

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Morgantown? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $9,937 per year — combining federal taxes with West Virginia's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,099/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Morgantown metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $46,875, or roughly $3,906 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Morgantown metro has a cost of living index of 66.1 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 34% below the national average, Morgantown is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Morgantown represents approximately 19% of gross income. That is well within the 30% rule of thumb that financial advisors typically recommend, leaving significant room for savings and discretionary spending.

Annual Breakdown

Gross Salary $70,000
Taxes (Est.) ...
Housing (Rent) -$13,188
Net Income ...

Cost of Living Index

66.1
Cheaper Avg (100) Pricier

Living in Morgantown, WV is roughly 34% less expensive than the national average.

Monthly Take-Home

... / mo

Affordability Score

Grade
Rent Burden –%
Affordable (<20%) 30% Rule Stretched (>40%)

K-12 Schools

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Schools 29
Enrollment 16,279
Pupil:Teacher 0:1
Charter 0%
Title I 0%

Colleges & Universities

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Institutions 6
Avg In-State $11,208
Avg Out-of-State $20,064
Avg Grad Rate 71.0%
Institution Enrollment In-State Tuition Grad Rate
Monongalia County Technical Education Center 48 $0 88.0%
Morgantown Beauty College Inc 74 $0 77.0%
Ross Medical Education Center-Morgantown 16 $0 70.0%
West Virginia University 24,200 $9,648 61.0%
West Virginia Junior College-Morgantown 584 $12,767 59.0%
West Virginia University Hospital Departments of Rad Tech and Nutrition 61 $0