The short version
- Social Security taxed?
- No
- Income tax
- Brackets 2.22%–4.82%, falling
- Property tax on a $300,000 home
- ≈ $1,530 / yr ($128 / mo)
- Everyday cost index (U.S. = 100)
- 88
- January / July high
- 43°F / 85°F
- Sales tax (state + local avg)
- 6.60%
Retiring in West Virginia
Social Security became fully tax-free in 2026, and living costs are among the lowest anywhere. Watch out: healthcare access and outcomes trail most states.
How West Virginia taxes your retirement income
Social Security: not taxed at all.
Pensions: $8,000 deduction per person 65+; some public pensions exempt.
401(k) and IRA withdrawals: 401(k)/IRA withdrawals taxed above the senior deduction.
The setup: Brackets 2.22%–4.82%, falling.
Property tax & senior breaks
The average effective property tax rate is about 0.51% — roughly $1,530 a year ($128 a month) on a $300,000 home. Your county sets the real number.
Help for seniors: $20,000 homestead exemption for homeowners 65+.
Try your own home value in the Property Tax Estimator.
Everyday costs & sales tax
Overall cost of living runs about 12% below the U.S. average. The combined state and average local sales tax is 6.60%.
Weather
January days top out around 43°F and July days around 85°F, with roughly 164 sunny days a year. Watch out for: River flooding is the top risk; snowy winters in the mountains.
Healthcare
WVU Medicine is improving care, but rural access and health outcomes lag the nation.