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Bluefield, WV vs Martinsburg, WV

64
Bluefield
West Virginia
VS
-25.2%
85
Martinsburg
West Virginia

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bluefield is 25.2% cheaper than Martinsburg. With a cost index of 64 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bluefield to Martinsburg should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bluefield is $790/month compared to $1,090/month in Martinsburg — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bluefield is more affordable at $101,000 median vs $231,900.

Median household income in Bluefield is $43,826 compared to $54,590 in Martinsburg (-19.7%). The higher salaries in Martinsburg partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bluefield spend roughly 21.6% of their income on rent, less than the 24% in Martinsburg.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 54.1°F). Bluefield receives more rainfall at 41.2" per year compared to 39" in Martinsburg.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Bluefield
64
25% cheaper
Martinsburg
85
Median Household Income
Bluefield
$43,826
Martinsburg
$54,590
20% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Bluefield
$790
28% cheaper
Martinsburg
$1,090
Median Home Value
Bluefield
$101,000
56% cheaper
Martinsburg
$231,900
Population
Bluefield
9,511
Martinsburg
18,805

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Bluefield
Martinsburg $2.95
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Bluefield
Martinsburg $2.40
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Bluefield
Martinsburg $3.87
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Bluefield
Martinsburg $1.78
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Bluefield
Martinsburg $3.98
US $4.14
Electricity
Bluefield
Martinsburg $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Bluefield 52.1°F
Martinsburg 54.1°F
Summer High
Bluefield 79°F
Martinsburg 87°F
Winter Low
Bluefield 24°F
Martinsburg 24°F
Rainfall
Bluefield 41.2"
Martinsburg 39"
Rainy Days
Bluefield 154d
Martinsburg 121d