City Comparison
Fairmont vs Wheeling
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Fairmont scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Fairmont
Wheeling
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Fairmont is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
11% lower than in Wheeling.
| Metric | Fairmont | Wheeling | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $850 | 0% |
| Groceries | $380 | $360 | +6% |
| Utilities | $175 | $170 | +3% |
| Transport | $110 | $110 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $220 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,515 | $1,710 | -11% |
| Cost Index | 84 | 84 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Fairmont offers similar average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Fairmont is estimated at
$42,000 vs $42,000 in Wheeling.
| Metric | Fairmont | Wheeling |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $42,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,905 idx | 61,905 idx |
| Household Income | $48,500 | $48,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.3°F of each other.
For sunshine, Wheeling comes out ahead with 14 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Fairmont sees 7.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Fairmont | Wheeling |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.20°F | 54.50°F |
| Summer High | 81.80°F | 85.10°F |
| Winter Low | 21.20°F | 22.40°F |
| Rainfall | 49.50 in | 44.50 in |
| Snowfall | 30.20 in | 22.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 215 | 229 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Wheeling 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 | Wheeling |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 38.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 32.00 | 32.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wheeling is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Fairmont.
From a growth perspective, Fairmont is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Wheeling has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Fairmont | Wheeling |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,450 | 27,000 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 40.5 | 43.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.50% |
| 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.
Wheeling
Advantages
Median home prices in Wheeling are substantially lower than the national average per recent housing market data.
Oglebay Resort and Wheeling Park offer extensive year-round recreational activities, golf courses, and green spaces.
The city features stunning 19th-century Victorian architecture and historic landmarks like the Wheeling Suspension Bridge.
Healthcare sector employment provides strong job stability through major institutions like WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital.
Traffic congestion is minimal, ensuring short and manageable average commute times for local workers.
Drawbacks
Population growth has remained flat or experienced slight declines over recent census cycles.
Public transit options are limited, making reliable personal vehicle ownership virtually essential for daily life.
Average household incomes trail behind national benchmarks due to the ongoing economic transition away from heavy industry.
Winter weather brings notable snowfall and freezing temperatures that can impact local travel.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan centers nearby like Pittsburgh.
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
Wheeling
#378West Virginia, USA
59.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
84
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
229/yr
Avg Temp
54.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
72
Business
64
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