Fairmont, WV vs Wheeling, WV

Wheeling is moderately more affordable than Fairmont, with a 8.6% lower cost of living index. Fairmont scores 73 compared to 67 for Wheeling, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fairmont can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairmont is $902/month compared to $795/month in Wheeling — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wheeling is more affordable at $142,500 median vs $159,100.

Median household income in Fairmont is $60,791 compared to $48,498 in Wheeling (+25.3%). While Fairmont is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairmont spend roughly 17.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19.7% in Wheeling.