COST OF LIVING

The overall cost of living in the West Virginia Hardwood Alliance Zone is 20% lower than national costs.

Cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount less than 100 means the cost of living is less expensive than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means it is more expensive.

The nine counties in the West Virginia Hardwood Alliance Zone score an average of 84.5 on the scale. This is 15.5% lower than the US average and 1.5% lower than the rest of West Virginia.

CALCULATIONS

Overall – The total of all the cost of living categories weighted subjectively as follows: housing (30%), food and groceries (15%), transportation (10%), utilities (6%), health care (7%), and miscellaneous expenses such as clothing, services, and entertainment (32%). State and local taxes are not included in any category. Food – The average cost of food and groceries (not including restaurants) Utilities – The average cost of heating or cooling a typical residence for the area, including electricity and natural gas.