salaryMorgantown is the 3rd-largest city in West Virginia that we track, with 30,236 residents. Rent is lower than in 81% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 5.4 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 16.2 minutes. Most households rent (56%), so there are plenty of rental options. It is a highly educated city: 58.5% of adults have a college degree.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $44,480 a year. That is $21 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other West Virginia cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of West Virginia. It is number 22 of 31 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Morgantown?
Share of households by yearly income. 17.9% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Morgantown
| Size | Morgantown | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $726 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $842 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,063 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,170 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,069 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Morgantown overall?
Everyday prices in the Morgantown metro area are 7% below the U.S. average (index 93.3, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Morgantown
Life in Morgantown
What jobs pay in Morgantown
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $130,710 | 10.2% |
| Physician Assistant | $128,170 | 10.4% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,130 | 10.4% |
| Lawyer | $109,300 | 12.2% |
| Software Developer | $108,950 | 12.2% |
| Civil Engineer | $89,560 | 14.9% |
| Operations Manager | $89,440 | 14.9% |
| Registered Nurse | $80,130 | 16.7% |
| Dental Hygienist | $73,840 | 18.1% |
| Accountant | $71,740 | 18.6% |
| Electrician | $61,610 | 21.7% |
| Plumber | $58,780 | 22.7% |
| Police Officer | $55,010 | 24.3% |
| Market Research Analyst | $54,660 | 24.4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $51,380 | 26.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $50,400 | 26.5% |
| Carpenter | $49,160 | 27.1% |
| Truck Driver | $48,560 | 27.5% |
| HVAC Technician | $47,970 | 27.8% |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,450 | 35.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $37,440 | 35.6% |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,900 | 36.2% |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,880 | 37.2% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,480 | 37.6% |
| Restaurant Cook | $29,740 | 44.9% |
| Retail Salesperson | $28,570 | 46.7% |
| Cashier | $27,370 | 48.8% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Morgantown?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $688 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $259,400 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $25,940 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Morgantown, WV?
Renting in Morgantown costs a median of about $1,112 a month in 2026, including utilities. The West Virginia median is $1,007.
How much do I need to make to live in Morgantown?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $44,480 a year, or $21 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Morgantown cheap or expensive?
Morgantown is rated OK: rent takes 27.7% of the typical household income of $48,238. It ranks 22nd cheapest of 31 West Virginia cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Morgantown?
The median homeowner in Morgantown pays $1,301 a year in property taxes, about 0.50% of the median home value.
Is Morgantown more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 7% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Morgantown?
The median home value in Morgantown is $259,400, about 5.4 times the typical yearly household income.
30,236 people live in Morgantown. Numbers are typical (middle) values.