Relocation
Cost of living by state
Weighing a move? Compare any two states side by side — cost of living, taxes, and demographics — and see what a physician, NP, or PA salary is really worth once it's adjusted for local prices. Green means cheaper or better; red means pricier or worse.
A cost-of-living index isn't published for Puerto Rico, so an overall score isn't available. Demographics and taxes are still compared below.
| Metric | West Virginia | Puerto Rico |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living (US avg = 100) | ||
| Overall cost of living | 89.5 | — |
| Housing (rent) | 54.2 | — |
| Utilities | 92.2 | — |
| Goods | 96.5 | — |
| Other services | 99.9 | — |
| Taxes | ||
| Top income tax rate | 4.82% | — |
| Sales tax (avg) | 6.57% | — |
| Property tax (effective) | 0.48% | — |
| About the state | ||
| Population | 1,784,462 | 3,167,149 |
| Median household income | $57,917 | $25,096 |
| Median age | 42.7 | 44.2 |
| Homeownership rate | 74.30% | 67.90% |
| Median home value | $155,600 | $131,500 |
▼ green = lower cost / better▲ red = higher cost / worse
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities (2024) · U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts · Tax Foundation. Figures are the latest published; cost-of-living is a price-level index, not tax-adjusted take-home pay.
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VitalPost shows sourced, public data for context only — it isn't financial or tax advice. Cost-of-living is a price-level index (US average = 100); taxes shown are statewide/averaged and don't capture local income or the specifics of your situation.