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Saint Albans, WV Utility & Living Guide

St. Albans is a city in western Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States, at the confluence of the Kanawha and Coal rivers. The population was 10,861 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Charleston metropolitan area.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$310/mo

1BR Rent$900/mo

Sales Tax7%

COL Index94 (-6% below national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$190,000

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🌤️ Live Weather — Saint Albans

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Saint Albans

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$130/mo

Appalachian Power

🔥 Gas

$60/mo

Mountaineer Gas Company

💧 Water

$40/mo

City of Saint Albans Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

City of Saint Albans Sanitation Department

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$310/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$900/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1800/mo
Median Home Price	$190,000
Property Tax Rate	0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo	$800

The housing market in Saint Albans is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are also available, including apartments and single-family homes. However, the market can be competitive, especially for homes in desirable neighborhoods.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

Transportation

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	7%
Property Tax Rate	0.85%
<p>State 6% + County 0.5% + City 0.5%</p>

West Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 3% to 6.5%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

5.5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

-2% (declining)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail

Top Local Concerns

Economic development, public safety, infrastructure

🚌 Transit for Families

The city has a limited public transportation system, but sidewalks and crosswalks are generally stroller-friendly

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Kanawha River
🎯
Saint Albans City Park
🎯
Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods of Downtown Saint Albans and Oakwood are popular with families, offering a mix of older and newer homes, parks, and community amenities. The nearby town of Nitro also offers affordable housing options and a small-town feel.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Saint Albans based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents are subject to city ordinances regarding zoning, noise, and property maintenance

Financial Tools

Calculators

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Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

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📊 Saint Albans — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Saint Albans tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% during the peak summer months. In contrast, winter heating costs are relatively moderate, with natural gas prices remaining stable throughout the year.