Retire in West Virginia: 2026 Tax & Cost of Living Guide
SS tax phases to 0% by 2026. Moderate income tax, low property tax, no estate or inheritance tax.
State income tax
Progressive — top rate 5.00%
Social Security
Taxed
Estate tax
None
Property tax
0.55%
How West Virginia Taxes Retirement Income
- Social Security
- Phasing out: 65% exempt in 2024, 100% exempt in 2026
- Public pensions (state/federal)
- Taxed
- Private pensions
- Taxed
- 401(k) / IRA withdrawals
- Taxed
Exemption / exclusion
$8K retirement exclusion age 65+ ($2K for public pensions)
What Would You Pay in State Income Tax?
Rough estimates at the top marginal rate (actual effective rate will be lower for most retirees due to brackets, exemptions, and standard deduction):
| Annual Retirement Income | Estimated State Tax | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,500 | 5.0% |
| $100,000 | $5,000 | 5.0% |
| $200,000 | $10,000 | 5.0% |
We don't have detailed cost-of-living data for a city in West Virginia yet. See our city guides for 300+ other cities worldwide, or compare West Virginia against other US states below.
States With No Income Tax
Compare Against Other States
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Ranked by tax-friendliness for retirees. Grouped by income-tax type.
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Tax rates and programs are subject to change. Data is current for 2024–2025. Always consult a qualified tax professional before making relocation decisions.