A-
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
9%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Martinsburg West Virginia National
Cost of living10285100
Goods & Services10995100
Groceries10898100
Health care9797100
Housing9162100
Transportation9594100
Utilities11096100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Martinsburg, WV

Knowing the cost of living in Martinsburg allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Martinsburg stands at 102, marking it 2% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Martinsburg is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Martinsburg Affordable?

Is Martinsburg an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Martinsburg, the median home price is 12.2% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 2% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Martinsburg come in at $44,363, which is 19.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Martinsburg?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Martinsburg, the utilities index stands at 10.2% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Martinsburg, healthcare costs are 2.8% lower than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Martinsburg, is 9.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Martinsburg, 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.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Martinsburg is 19% higher than the West Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Martinsburg is 2% higher than the national average
  • Martinsburg housing is 9% lower than the national average
  • West Virginia general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • West Virginia state income tax is 33% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Martinsburg

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Compare Martinsburg, WV Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$70,389$5,866$1,642$2,112
      Renters$31,695$2,641$740$951
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Martinsburg, WV, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Martinsburg, homeowners have a median income of $70,389. Using that number, a maximum of $1,642 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $31,695, which means there is a maximum of $740 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      West Virginia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      West Virginia 6% 7%

      West Virginia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      West Virginia 3% 6.5%

      Goods & Services

      Item Martinsburg National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.11$24.267.6%
      Beauty Salon $70.08$45.5653.8%
      Toothpaste $3.81$3.702.8%
      Shampoo $1.51$1.2817.9%
      Movie $15.69$12.1329.3%
      Bowling $24.83$18.0038.0%

      Groceries

      Item Martinsburg National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.24$5.846.9%
      Fried Chicken $1.40$1.5711.0%
      Milk $4.78$4.672.2%
      Potatoes $5.49$4.9311.3%
      Pizza $12.56$12.093.9%
      Beer $11.10$10.416.6%

      Health Care

      Item Martinsburg National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $92.00$125.6826.8%
      Doctor $135.03$135.780.5%
      Dentist $117.67$113.293.9%
      Ibuprofen $11.52$10.658.1%
      Lipitor $403.79$468.6013.8%

      Housing

      Item Martinsburg National avg. Difference
      Home Price $162,200.00$184,700.0012.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $4,819.29$2,346.69105.4%
      Apartment Rent $930.00$949.002.0%

      Transportation

      Item Martinsburg National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.25$3.466.0%
      Tire Balancing $59.00$59.921.5%

      Utilities

      Item Martinsburg National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $222.47$193.9914.7%
      Phone $197.37$192.252.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kemps Mill, MD01066.3%
      Ernstville, MD251066.3%
      Mercersville, MD1881066.3%
      Bakersville, MD01066.3%
      Big Pool, MD851066.3%
      Martinsburg, WV17,5171021.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Anoka, MN17,5121011.1%
      Hermiston, OR17,512964.1%
      South Houston, TX17,522919.1%
      Kingsland, GA17,523946.4%
      Wailuku, HI17,52317069.9%
      Martinsburg, WV17,5171021.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.