Raleigh, WV Cost of Living & Utility Guide 2026

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Raleigh, 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$350/mo

1BR Rent$900/mo

Sales Tax6%

COL Index87 (-13% below national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$180,000

📷 Live Cameras — Raleigh

Live · refreshing...

🌤️ Live Weather — Raleigh

Loading weather...

📍 Live Local News & Briefing

⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Raleigh

Loading hazard data...

💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Appalachian Power

🔥 Gas

$60/mo

Mountaineer Gas

💧 Water

$50/mo

Raleigh County Public Service District

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority

📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$350/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$900/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1600/mo
Median Home Price	$180,000
Property Tax Rate	0.65%
Avg Childcare/mo	$800

The housing market in Raleigh is relatively affordable, with a range of options from apartments to single-family homes. However, the market can be limited, and prices may vary depending on location and condition. Rentals are also available, but may be scarce in certain areas.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

-13% below national average

Groceries

Transportation

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	6%
Property Tax Rate	0.65%
<p>State 6% + County 0%</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% (growing)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries in healthcare, education, and manufacturing

Top Local Concerns

Economic development, infrastructure, public safety

🚌 Transit for Families

Raleigh has limited public transportation options, but the area is relatively walkable and bikeable

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Kanawha State Forest
🎯
Raleigh County Recreation Center
🎯
Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Raleigh include the areas around downtown, which offer a mix of historic homes and newer developments, as well as the suburbs, which provide more space and a quieter atmosphere. However, the quality of neighborhoods can vary, and some areas may be more suitable for families than others.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Raleigh has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and environmental protection

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Raleigh — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Raleigh can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning and higher gas costs in the winter due to heating. However, the area's mild climate means that these fluctuations may be less extreme than in other parts of the country.