City Comparison
Fairmont vs Beckley
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Fairmont scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Fairmont
Beckley
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Fairmont is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Beckley.
Housing costs are a major driver: Fairmont's average rent is
11% lower than Beckley's.
| Metric | Fairmont | Beckley | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $950 | -11% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $200 | -13% |
| Transport | $110 | $150 | -27% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $250 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,515 | $2,000 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 84 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Fairmont offers 65% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Fairmont delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Fairmont is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Beckley.
| Metric | Fairmont | Beckley |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $31,431 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,905 idx | 36,978 idx |
| Household Income | $48,500 | $45,826 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Fairmont runs warmer on average — a 53.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Fairmont comes out ahead with 215 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Fairmont sees 30.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Fairmont | Beckley |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 49.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 30.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 215 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Beckley has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Fairmont.
Fairmont scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Fairmont leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Fairmont | Beckley |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 15.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 32.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Fairmont is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Beckley.
From a growth perspective, Fairmont 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 | Fairmont | Beckley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,450 | 16,196 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 40.5 | 42.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 2.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Fairmont
Advantages
Median home purchase prices in Fairmont are significantly lower than the U.S. national average per Zillow data.
Proximity to Valley Falls State Park offers residents world-class outdoor recreation, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
Fairmont State University provides local cultural events, continuing education, and a boost to the regional economy.
The local cost of living index sits well below the national average, easing financial pressures for families.
Growing tech initiatives at the nearby I-79 Technology Park provide expanding professional employment opportunities.
Drawbacks
Average local salaries are lower compared to national metropolitan benchmarks per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Public transportation options are limited, making car ownership practically mandatory for daily errands.
Job growth rates in traditional sectors trail behind fast-growing metropolitan technology hubs.
Winters bring significant snowfall (averaging over 30 inches annually), requiring winterized commuting preparation.
Limited high-end retail and entertainment options within city limits necessitate trips to larger neighboring cities.
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.
Fairmont
#343West Virginia, USA
60.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
84
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
215/yr
Avg Temp
53.20°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
72
Business
65
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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