Cost of Living in Union, WV

With a cost of living index of 57, Union, WV is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 43% cheaper than the national average and 16% below the West Virginia state average of 73. Union is a small community of 414 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Union's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $418 (68% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $158,000 (48% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.9x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Union is $32,281, which is 57% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.