Cost of Living in War, WV

With a cost of living index of 56, War, WV is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 44% cheaper than the national average and 17% below the West Virginia state average of 73. War is a small community of 593 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in War's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $722 (45% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $28,800 (91% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in War is $20,852, which is 72% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 42% of household income on rent. This is well above the 30% affordability threshold, indicating a significant housing cost burden for many residents. 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.