Ohio and West Virginia have unique features and strengths that make them great states. But is one better than the other for you to buy a home? Learn about living in West Virginia vs. Ohio. We do a side-by-side overview of each state’s various characteristics to see which perks might appeal to you.

Cost of Living in West Virginia vs Ohio

We’ll compare the cost of living using the Sperling Best Places Index, which sets the national average at 100. A score below 100 means you’ve found a wallet-friendly place, while a score above indicates you’ll need a more substantial income to afford it.

One thing to remember is that typically, the more populated a place is, the higher the cost of goods and services. This is due to the basic economic principle of supply and demand. Look at Ohio, and you’ll see its population is almost ten times that of West Virginia. Naturally, the cost of living difference is higher.

However, even though West Virginia wins for affordability, Ohio really isn’t that much more expensive from a big-picture perspective. That’s because much of the state is actually pretty rural. Its largest city still has less than one million residents. By population, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton are more like large towns than large metropolitan areas. Add in their suburbs, and they do get more dense. 

Housing in West Virginia is dramatically affordable, but health care costs run less in Ohio because there’s more access to some of the nation’s best medical facilities. So, expenses are a give-and-take.

Living Costs Compared

	West Virginia	Ohio
Population **	1.79 million	11.76 million
Median Property Value*	$169,446	$233,949
Median Household Income**	$55,217	$67,520
Homeownership Rate	77%	66.6%
Overall	79.4	82.7
Grocery	95.8	96.1
Health	127	88.7
Housing	39.3	61.6
Utilities	85.9	100
Transportation	90.1	83.6
Misc.	85.1	89.3

Keep in mind that these index averages are for the state. Once you have a better idea of where you are considering buying, look at that area’s cost of living. For instance, if you decide to live in Cincinnati, Ohio, your cost of living will be more than if you lived in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Another factor is sales taxes. Both charge relatively high amounts, but West Virginia’s 6% is above Ohio’s 5.75%. Cities and municipalities can add additional amounts on top of that. This cost factors into your daily expenses.

Living in West Virginia vs Ohio Home Costs

As mentioned, the cost of housing depends on where you buy in these two states. However, West Virginia has the best average home cost looking at the big picture. Ohio had a median home price of $235,560 in 2023, while Mountain State home buyers paid $168,166. Still, both beat the national average of $364,056.

Population growth

As mentioned above, the cost of living often correlates with the number of people living there. The more densely populated a place is, the more demand there is for housing, groceries, healthcare, and infrastructure. So, knowing whether an area is growing or declining in population can be a sign that the economy is healthy or that a home bought today will appreciate in value during the coming years.

Interestingly, both states are actually dropping in population. People commonly say they are leaving the state for retirement to a warmer climate or in search of better job opportunities.

The US Census reports that Ohio lost about 0.4% of its population from 2020 to 2022. West Virginia’s loss was greater, coming in at 1% for that same time. That state’s population loss has been a trend for several decades; it lost around 60,000 residents from 2010 to 2020. Most reasons people give for leaving West Virginia for more economic opportunities.

Job Market

So, if people leave in search of better employment prospects, what is going on with these states’ job markets? After all, you need a steady source of income to buy a home and meet your financial obligations.

Ohio Job Market

Ohio’s economy is actually pretty strong, even with an unemployment rate of 4.5% in July 2024. It had the seventh-largest economy in the US and was a manufacturing giant, ranking fourth nationwide. This sector is vital for providing essential goods, from plastics to automobiles. Ohio can efficiently move its manufactured goods around with easy access to Canada and strategic inland waterways.

But it’s not all manufacturing jobs. Columbus is a top tech and startup hub, home to the sixth-largest university by enrollment, and has five Fortune 500 companies. Cleveland’s robust healthcare scene strengthens Ohio’s private sector even more. The Fortune 500 companies headquartered here are big names like Marathon Petroleum, Kroger, and Procter & Gamble.

West Virginia Job Market

West Virginia has been hustling to diversify its job markets and welcomes fresh prospects. Coal, gas, and mining remain essential to its economy, but it recognizes a need to invest in new economic sectors to keep people living in the state. In July 2024, it had an unemployment rate of 4.2%, the same as the national average.

Besides mining, the top employment sectors are government, healthcare, and manufacturing. While no Fortune 500 headquarters are in West Virginia, giants like Toyota Motor and General Motors are flexing their manufacturing muscles with plants in the state. Aerospace, auto manufacturing, and food/beverage work are projected to expand the most by 2026.

The state is working to tap into its natural beauty as an economic driver. It’s moving towards growing its tourism and hospitality sector to bring dollars into the state. 

Real Estate Taxes

West Virginia has the advantage on this one. The state consistently ranks among the nation’s top 10 for low property taxes. The millage rates charged by counties and municipalities are capped, and residential real estate taxes are limited to just 60% of the assessed value.

Ohio property taxes are on the other end of the spectrum, ranking just outside the top 10 for the highest tax burden. RocketMortgage’s analysis showed that its average effective tax rate was 1.59%. Even though its taxable value is set at 35%, Ohio has higher overall property values. It also doesn’t have a cap on millage rates other than they must be within 1% of the property’s actual value.

Taxes for Retirees

Ohioans’ Social Security benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits, and US Military Retirement Benefits are all tax-free for those of retirement age. Plus, Ohio has some tax credit options based on your retirement income, with two credits specifically geared towards citizens aged 65 and up.

And, if you’re 65 or older, permanently disabled, or a widowed 59-year-old spouse of someone who claimed a credit, you could be eligible for a household exemption! This could drop $25,000 off your home’s market value for property tax purposes.

There’s also no estate or inheritance tax to worry about.

You might be taken aback to learn that some sources rank West Virginia as a top choice for retirees. This is mainly due to the state’s amazing housing affordability. For taxes, there isn’t too much that makes it distinct.

Though West Virginia does impose income taxes ranging from 3% to 6.5%, single taxpayers earning less than $50,000 are exempt from taxes on Social Security benefits. This threshold is doubled to $100,000 for joint filers. First responders and those with military pensions or railroad retirement benefits are also eligible for some state-provided tax breaks.

The state has a few more deductions with taxpayers 65 and older in mind. One is an $8,000 deduction on income that is not otherwise exempt through another program. You can also exempt up to $20,000 on your primary residence’s value.

Education in Ohio vs West Virginia

The Buckeye State has West Virginia beaten on this one. In the US News and World Report evaluation, Ohio’s public K-12 education system ranked at no. 20, whereas West Virginia was no. 41. Ohio has more school districts, a larger taxing base, and more resources to pour into its public education. In West Virginia, many of the school districts are very rural. A district may serve only a few thousand students, if that.

Ohio also has more higher education choices. Among them are the nationally ranked Case Western University, The Ohio State University, and Miami University at Oxford. However, find over a dozen other universities and colleges, public and private, to pick from for career training. West Virginia’s top college is the West Virginia University, a four-year public university in Morgantown. About half of its enrollees are West Virginians. The rest of its higher education choices are small to mid-size, from a few hundred to a few thousand students. 

Here’s a comparison of the two school systems.

*Figures are from 2022-2023, from ohiobythenumbers.

*Figures are from 2023-2024, from West Virginia Scorecard

°From 2023-2024 NCES 

City Living in West Virginia vs Ohio

Cities have more cultural and entertainment options, including theaters, museums, art galleries, music venues, and restaurants. The convenience of public transportation and access to essential services such as healthcare and education also attract people to city living. So how does city living in Ohio vs West Virginia stack up?

Ohio is the better in truly urban living, with three major metros, dense downtown cores, huge shopping districts, and event venues.

Ohio Major Cities

Cleveland, situated along Lake Erie, is famous for the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Pro sports teams add to the excitement. Its Cleveland Clinics are world-renowned medical research centers, and it’s a major inland shipping port. Over 3.7 million people live in the greater metro.

Columbus, the leafy state capital, is an art and fashion powerhouse. You’ll be amazed by its spacious MetroParks and creative culture. Ohio State University colors the community culture, especially during football season. Other top attractions are the Columbus Museum of Art, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

And don’t miss Cincinnati along the Ohio River. The city is known for its historic architecture, scenic riverfront, and diverse neighborhoods. Attractions include the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Findlay Market.

Mid-sized Ohio Cities

Akron is in northeastern Ohio. Its industry and technology roots include the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Several universities give it a college-town vibe. Attractions include the Akron Art Museum, the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Toledo is another Lake Erie city, about an hour out of Detroit. The Renaissance city is transformed from an industrial center. Now, it has a center for arts, a children’s museum, and a zoo.

Dayton’s low cost of housing, extensive metro park system, and family-friendly vibes are some of its perks. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the world’s largest aviation museum, is a bucket list attraction.

West Virginia Cities

All the cities above have more people than Charleston, West Virginia. The state capital may be the most populated city, but at just under 50,000 residents, it’s more of a large town than an urban city. Still, it’s your closest experience to city living in West Virginia. It has a diverse job market, museums, universities, and a growing dining scene. One perk is how easy it is to get around. The average commute time here is around 15 minutes.

Huntington, WV, on the Ohio River bordering the other state, is like a jumping-off point for outdoor adventures. It features Ritter Park, known for its scenic walking trails and historic rose garden. It’s also home to Marshall University, which brings cultural events and sports activities to the community. It’s the second-most populated city in the state.

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoors in Ohio

Ohio transitions from sprawling flat farmlands to enchanting hills, from packed cornfields to dense forests. Explore the Appalachian region’s parks and forests, a go-to location for mountain bikers, backpackers, cyclists, and bird enthusiasts. Wander through the untouched nature of Cuyahoga Valley National Park or discover magical landscapes and waterfalls in Hocking Hills State Park.

The rolling foothills change to the flat farmlands of central Ohio. That doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do here. In fact, its large reservoirs are ideal for water recreation activities like sailing and fishing. The creeks and rivers that cut through the shale plateau create beautiful cliffs you can admire on a float down the winding waters making their way to the Ohio River. Check out the Tuscawaras or the Great Miami River.

Venture to the mesmerizing Lake Erie shoreline in the north, where vacation getaways like Kelley’s Island and Put-In-Bay await. Fish for walleye or perch, or admire the view from the Marble Head or Sandusky parks.

Many of the state’s cities run award-winning MetroParks. These green spaces often have pedestrian paths for biking and walking, water access, and natural play areas for the kids. The metro parks range from a few hundred acres to over a thousand, so Ohio’s cities have an incredible amout of space for outdoor recreation.

West Virginia Outdoors

But we would favor the Mountain State for its multiple places to go for various outdoor activities. After all, West Virginia is investing in tourism and hospitality because people are discovering how beautiful and diverse its outdoor bounty is. Among the natural wonders is the New River Gorge National Park, one of the USA’s newest national parks. For decades, it’s been a must-do adventure hotspot with Class IV+ waters, challenging rock climbing opportunities, and an iconic bridge for bungee jumpers.

The famous Appalachian Trail passes through West Virginia. Still, it’s just a snippet of the countless miles of hiking paths wandering across the state. Other must-see do hikes are Dolly Sods, Seneca Rocks, and Coopers Rock.

Take a thrilling ride on West Virginia’s mountain biking trails. Visit the Kanawha and Monongahela National Forests, where your adventurous spirit can roam the woods at your desired speed. And if you’re an off-roading enthusiast, the legendary Hatfield-McCoy mountains will leave you craving more rocky roads and mud puddles.

West Virginia has an ace up its sleeve, too. With four large ski resorts, it delivers ample opportunities for winter sports. Go downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in its alpine hills. 

Sports in Ohio vs West Virginia

Ohio is your best bet if you enjoy hosting people for the game or attending a professional sporting event. West Virginia has no professional teams, but it does have some minor-league hockey.

Your options for supporting a team in Ohio include Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), FC Cincinnati (MLS), Columbus Crew (MLS), and the Cleveland Guardians (MLB).

The Ohio State University also fiercely rivals teams in the Big Ten college division.

Culture Advantages

Ohio is a treasure trove of experiences. Immerse yourself in history as you visit the homes of former US Presidents (Ohio has the most!). Explore the roots of rock legends at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, get a taste of high-speed action at NASCAR race tracks or take a journey through the skies at Dayton’s aviation museums.

Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland all have thriving arts and music scenes. The Cincinnati Art Museum houses a collection of over 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years. The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and the Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati showcase a variety of theater productions throughout the year. The Wexner Center for the Arts hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances, and film screenings. Other popular venues include the Columbus Museum of Art and the annual Columbus Art Festival. Columbus has the third-largest concentration of fashion designers and a focus on contemporary art and culture.

Over in West Virginia, discover the captivating blend of Appalachian folk culture. Immerse yourself in the state’s bluegrass and folk music festivals. Explore the local art scene at numerous galleries in designated West Virginia Art Towns like Wheeling and Elkins. And don’t forget to indulge in the delicious pepperoni rolls or grab a bite at the iconic Tudor’s Biscuit World!

Living in West Virginia vs Ohio

Ultimately, choosing which state is better depends on personal preferences and priorities. It’s up to individuals to decide which state aligns with their interests and lifestyle. Ohio and West Virginia have affordable living costs, some benefits for retirees, and access to outdoor recreation. One of Ohio’s cities is better if you crave the excitement and nightlife of living in a metropolitan area. However, West Virginia may be calling for those who love adventure and the great outdoors.

Updated September 2024