Cost of Living in Bayard, WV

With a cost of living index of 60, Bayard, WV is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 40% cheaper than the national average and 14% below the West Virginia state average of 73. Bayard is a small community of 311 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bayard's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $715 (46% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $78,500 (74% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Bayard is $30,179, which is 60% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Bayard. The area sees an average annual temperature of 46.5°F, with summers averaging 64°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 56.7 inches spread over roughly 194 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.