Grafton, WV vs Spencer, WV

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Grafton is 16.3% cheaper than Spencer. With a cost index of 51 vs 61, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Grafton to Spencer should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Grafton is $429/month compared to $658/month in Spencer — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Grafton is more affordable at $72,700 median vs $108,700.

Median household income in Grafton is $38,872 compared to $25,897 in Spencer (+50.1%). Grafton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Grafton spend roughly 13.2% of their income on rent, less than the 30.5% in Spencer. The Grafton ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.