The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Morgantown, WV

This analysis treats a $100,000 salary as a raw figure. We strip away the marketing hype of "six figures" to reveal the actual net cash and purchasing power in Morgantown. All figures are annual estimates unless noted.

1. The Verification Test

This is the math of what you actually take home versus what the government and your employer take.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax (Est. Standard Deduction): -$13,860
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): -$7,650
• WV State Income Tax (Est. Progressive 3% - 6.5%): -$5,000 (WV is not a flat tax state; this is a conservative weighted average estimate).
• Local/Municipal Tax (Morgantown): -$1,000 (Est. ~1% combined local levies).

Net Pay (Your Reality)

• Estimated Annual Net Pay: $72,490
• Estimated Monthly Net Pay: $6,040

Purchasing Power Note: In a state with zero income tax (like Texas or Florida), your estimated net pay would be roughly $77,500. You are effectively paying a $5,000 annual "privilege tax" to live in West Virginia compared to a no-tax state.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Using your monthly net of $6,040, here is the hard allocation. This assumes you are renting alone.

• Needs (50% = $3,020)
  • Rent (1BR Avg): $862 (Low cost relative to salary).
  • Utilities (Electric/Heat/Water): $200 (Winters are cold; heating costs spike).
  • Groceries/Household: $500.
  • Insurance (Car/Health): $600 (WV has high car insurance premiums).
  • Remaining for Needs: $858 (Buffer for maintenance, toiletries, etc.).
• Wants (30% = $1,812)
  • This is your discretionary income. Dining out, entertainment, hobbies.
• Savings/Debt (20% = $1,208)
  • This is your wealth builder. If you have student loans or a car payment, this number shrinks immediately.

3. Morgantown Tax Context

West Virginia is a high-tax state relative to its median income.

• Vs. Low Tax (Texas/Florida): You lose approximately $5,000 - $6,000 annually in state/local income tax. However, property taxes in WV are generally lower than in TX.
• Vs. High Tax (CA/NY): You save approximately $8,000 - $10,000 annually compared to California or NYC tax burdens on a $100k salary.
• The Verdict: Morgantown offers a "middle ground" tax burden. It is not tax-friendly like the South, but significantly cheaper than the Coasts.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. It is significantly above the median household income for Morgantown and West Virginia. You will live comfortably, but you are not "wealthy" by national standards. Your net pay is $72k. You will have a good apartment and a reliable car, but aggressive investing will still require strict budgeting.

"Local income tax?"
Yes. Morgantown and other municipalities in West Virginia levy local income taxes. This is usually collected via your paycheck. It ranges roughly from 0.5% to 1% depending on your residency location. It is mandatory.

"Rent is really $862?"
This is the average for a standard 1-bedroom apartment not in luxury student housing. Prices have risen, but compared to national averages, this is low. This is the primary driver of livability on a $100k salary here.