Bluefield, WV vs Grafton, WV
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Grafton is 26.2% cheaper than Bluefield. With a cost index of 51 vs 64, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Grafton to Bluefield should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Bluefield is $790/month compared to $429/month in Grafton — a 84% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Grafton is more affordable at $72,700 median vs $101,000.
Median household income in Bluefield is $43,826 compared to $38,872 in Grafton (+12.7%). Bluefield does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bluefield spend roughly 21.6% of their income on rent, more than the 13.2% in Grafton.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 54.9°F). Grafton receives more rainfall at 44.8" per year compared to 41.2" in Bluefield.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)