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Beckley, WV

Cost of living in Fayette County, WV

Part of the Beckley Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,544/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 39,987 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $674 26%
Healthcare $480 19%
Federal tax $425 17%
Transport $320 13%
Groceries $306 12%
Energy $192 8%
State tax $92 4%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Fayette County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$606
per month
1 bedroom
$674
per month
2 bedroom
$884
per month
3 bedroom
$1,176
per month
4 bedroom
$1,484
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Fayette County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$52,672
per year
Individual earnings
$36,050
per year
Per capita
$27,091
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Fayette County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$104,200
Annual property tax
$690

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Fayette County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$140
per month · 14¢/kWh
Natural gas
$52
per month
Annual total
$2,304
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Fayette County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
8.4%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Fayette County

State and local tax rates for West Virginia.

State income tax
5.1%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.0%
Combined sales tax
6.6%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Fayette County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
29.9 min
Drive alone
77.8%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
6.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Fayette County

What it costs to live in Fayette County each month.

Single person
$2,544
per month
  • Rent $674
  • Energy $192
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $306
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $425
  • State tax $92
Couple
$3,655
per month
  • Rent $884
  • Energy $230
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $507
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $532
  • State tax $153
Family
$6,063
per month
  • Rent $1,176
  • Energy $288
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $769
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $532
  • State tax $153

Frequently asked questions about Fayette County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Fayette County?

In Fayette County, WV, a one-bedroom apartment averages $674 per month, a two-bedroom averages $884 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,176 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Fayette County?

In Fayette County, WV, the average household income is $52,672 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $36,050 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Fayette County?

The estimated cost of living in Fayette County, WV is approximately $2,544 per month for a single person, $3,655 for a couple, $6,063 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Fayette County?

The combined sales tax rate in Fayette County, WV is 6.56%, which includes the West Virginia state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.56%.

Is Fayette County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Fayette County, WV would need approximately $2,544 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $52,672 per year ($4,389 per month). Fayette County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Fayette County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Fayette County, WV is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.4% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Fayette County?

The average home value in Fayette County, WV is $104,200, with average annual property taxes of $690, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Fayette County compare to other areas?

You can compare Fayette County, WV with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Fayette County is in the Beckley, WV metro area.

Other counties in West Virginia

Browse the full list of counties in West Virginia, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in West Virginia

Compare Fayette County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources