Cost of Living in MacArthur, WV

With a cost of living index of 66, MacArthur, WV is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 34% cheaper than the national average and 8% below the West Virginia state average of 73. MacArthur is a small community of 1,287 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in MacArthur's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $791 (40% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $126,700 (58% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in MacArthur is $26,824, which is 64% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 35% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. 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 MacArthur. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.9°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 35°F. Annual rainfall totals 43.5 inches spread over roughly 161 days.

Everyday prices in the Beckley, WV (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.