Elkins, WV vs Madison, WV

Elkins, WV and Madison, WV have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.9% difference in their overall index. Elkins scores 70 while Madison scores 72 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elkins is $897/month compared to $1,015/month in Madison — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elkins has cheaper rent, Madison actually has lower median home values ($127,200 vs $130,500).

Median household income in Elkins is $47,746 compared to $57,073 in Madison (-16.3%). While Madison is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elkins spend roughly 22.5% of their income on rent, more than the 21.3% in Madison.

Climate-wise, Madison is notably warmer with an average of 56.2°F compared to 51.7°F in Elkins. Elkins receives more rainfall at 47.2" per year compared to 46.2" in Madison.