Cost of Living in Parkersburg, WV

An Overview of Cost of Living in Parkersburg, WV

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Parkersburg? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Parkersburg stands at 84, making it 16% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Parkersburg stands out by reporting housing costs that are 44.8% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

Is Parkersburg Affordable?

Is Parkersburg affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Parkersburg, the median home price is 51.4% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 29.3% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Parkersburg boasting a median household income of $37,933, 31.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Parkersburg?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Parkersburg, healthcare costs are 1.1% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Parkersburg comes in at 2.5% lower than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Parkersburg, the transportation index is 6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Parkersburg, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.