Bretz, WV Utility & Living Guide

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Bretz, WV Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Bretz
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Mon Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Bretz Public Service District
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1600/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Bretz is relatively affordable, with a range of options from single-family homes to apartments. However, the market can be competitive, and prices may vary depending on location and amenities. Overall, Bretz offers a great balance of affordability and quality of life.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

94

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

95

Transportation

88

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate0.8%
<p>State 6% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Bretz has limited public transportation options, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Coopers Rock State Forest
  • 🎯
    Tygart Lake State Park
  • 🎯
    Morgantown Children's Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods near the town center and along the Monongahela River offer a mix of historic homes and new developments, with easy access to parks, schools, and local amenities. The area is generally safe and family-friendly, with a strong sense of community.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Bretz has regulations in place to protect the environment and preserve the town’s natural beauty, including zoning ordinances and waste management rules

Financial Tools

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📊 Bretz — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Bretz tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating needs, with average electric bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a decrease in utility costs, with average electric bills dropping by 10-20% from June to August.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 26524 has a property tax millage rate of 12.5, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: Bretz has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks, but the town's hilly terrain and limited public transportation options can make it challenging for families with strollers to get around

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