City Comparison
Clarksburg vs Beckley
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Clarksburg scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Clarksburg
Beckley
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Clarksburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
25% lower than in Beckley.
Housing costs are a major driver: Clarksburg's average rent is
11% lower than Beckley's.
| Metric | Clarksburg | Beckley | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $950 | -11% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $200 | -15% |
| Transport | $110 | $150 | -27% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $250 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,510 | $2,000 | -25% |
| Cost Index | 84 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Clarksburg offers 65% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Clarksburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Clarksburg is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Beckley.
| Metric | Clarksburg | Beckley |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $31,431 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,905 idx | 36,978 idx |
| Household Income | $48,000 | $45,826 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Clarksburg runs warmer on average — a 53.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Clarksburg comes out ahead with 216 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Clarksburg sees 31.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Clarksburg | Beckley |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 47.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 31.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 216 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Clarksburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Clarksburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Clarksburg | Beckley |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 15.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Beckley is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Clarksburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Beckley has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Clarksburg | Beckley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,000 | 16,196 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 42.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 2.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Clarksburg
Advantages
Median home prices in Clarksburg are significantly lower than the U.S. national average per recent Zillow and Redfin housing data.
Proximity to major regional employers like the FBI CJIS division and United Hospital Center provides stable local employment opportunities.
Rich cultural traditions, highlighted by the annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival drawing thousands of visitors.
Abundant access to outdoor recreation, including proximity to state parks, hiking trails, and the West Fork River.
Low traffic congestion and easy commuting times compared to major U.S. metropolitan areas.
Drawbacks
Economic mobility and median household incomes lag behind national benchmarks per U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
High reliance on personal automobiles due to limited public transit infrastructure within the city.
Regional health challenges related to substance use and chronic illness affecting parts of North-Central West Virginia.
Limited high-end entertainment and nightlife options within city limits compared to larger cities.
Population stagnation and slow economic growth momentum relative to booming Sunbelt metropolitan areas.
Beckley
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Beckley is significantly lower than the national average, including housing, utilities, and healthcare.
Housing is highly affordable, with a 2024 median property value of $158,000 and a positive home affordability ratio.
Commute times are notably shorter, with an average one-way commute of 16.5 minutes, well below the national average.
Beckley offers a strong sense of community and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
The city provides access to abundant outdoor recreational activities in the Appalachian Mountains, including rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
Drawbacks
Amenities are limited, and nightlife and dining options are sparse, contributing to a lower livability score.
Job opportunities are limited, and many residents commute out of town for work, impacting employment scores.
The city is highly car-dependent with a low walkability score of 15, and public transportation is not readily available.
Concerns exist regarding rising drug use and its impact on community health and safety.
Utility costs can be high in rural West Virginia, potentially offsetting some of the overall affordability benefits.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Clarksburg
#393West Virginia, USA
58.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
84
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
216/yr
Avg Temp
53.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
71
Business
62
Beckley
#398West Virginia, USA
58.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$31,431
Cost Index
85
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
15.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
56
Business
60
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