salaryWheeling is the 5th-largest city in West Virginia that we track, with 26,350 residents. Rent here is among the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards. Commutes are short, about 19.8 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $37,000 a year. That is $18 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other West Virginia cities?
Yes. Rent here is cheaper than in most of West Virginia. It is number 10 of 31 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Wheeling?
Share of households by yearly income. 17.5% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Wheeling
| Size | Wheeling | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $609 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $620 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $946 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $988 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,633 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Wheeling overall?
Everyday prices in the Wheeling metro area are 12% below the U.S. average (index 88.3, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Wheeling
Life in Wheeling
What jobs pay in Wheeling
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $133,030 | 8.3% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,640 | 8.6% |
| Physician Assistant | $126,770 | 8.8% |
| Lawyer | $124,990 | 8.9% |
| Software Developer | $112,340 | 9.9% |
| Civil Engineer | $84,440 | 13.1% |
| Operations Manager | $80,440 | 13.8% |
| Registered Nurse | $78,280 | 14.2% |
| Dental Hygienist | $72,540 | 15.3% |
| Accountant | $72,110 | 15.4% |
| Electrician | $66,970 | 16.6% |
| Plumber | $64,060 | 17.3% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $58,830 | 18.9% |
| Police Officer | $58,380 | 19.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $57,960 | 19.2% |
| Truck Driver | $57,590 | 19.3% |
| HVAC Technician | $56,240 | 19.7% |
| Market Research Analyst | $55,510 | 20.0% |
| Carpenter | $50,120 | 22.1% |
| Firefighter | $41,140 | 27.0% |
| Customer Service Representative | $38,440 | 28.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $38,150 | 29.1% |
| Medical Assistant | $36,930 | 30.1% |
| Nursing Assistant | $36,910 | 30.1% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $30,740 | 36.1% |
| Restaurant Cook | $29,710 | 37.4% |
| Retail Salesperson | $29,370 | 37.8% |
| Cashier | $27,500 | 40.4% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Wheeling?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $92 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $146,500 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $14,650 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Wheeling, WV?
Renting in Wheeling costs a median of about $925 a month in 2026, including utilities. The West Virginia median is $1,007.
How much do I need to make to live in Wheeling?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $37,000 a year, or $18 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Wheeling cheap or expensive?
Wheeling is rated OK: rent takes 21.2% of the typical household income of $52,404. It ranks 10th cheapest of 31 West Virginia cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Wheeling?
The median homeowner in Wheeling pays $917 a year in property taxes, about 0.63% of the median home value.
Is Wheeling more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 12% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Wheeling?
The median home value in Wheeling is $146,500, about 2.8 times the typical yearly household income.
26,350 people live in Wheeling. Numbers are typical (middle) values.