Build your monthly budget for Parkersburg. The calculator is pre-filled with realistic local expenses, including $750 average rent, so you can see your savings rate against the 50/30/20 rule.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Parkersburg has a cost-of-living index of 74 (US average = 100). Housing is usually the largest line item, with average 1-bedroom rent near $750/month. The estimates below are pre-filled in the calculator and scaled to local costs.
| Expense Category | Typical Parkersburg Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing (1-bedroom rent) | $750/month |
| Food (single person) | $375/month |
| Transportation | $475/month |
| Utilities & Internet | $150/month |
| Healthcare & Insurance | $320/month |
| Personal & Entertainment | $200/month |
| Recommended Savings | 15%+ of gross income |
| Emergency Fund Target | 3 to 6 months of expenses |
Parkersburg sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers and has a long industrial heritage in chemicals and plastics (with a major DuPont and chemical-industry presence nearby), along with healthcare and manufacturing.
| Local Metric | Parkersburg (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 29,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Wood County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 74 |
| Regional living wage, single adult | $17.50/hour |
| Regional living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $37.00/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $8.75/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $750/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $950/month |
| Median home price | $130,000 |
| Median household income | $45,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 6% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.6% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
With a cost-of-living index of 74 (US average = 100) and average 1-bedroom rent near $750/month, a single adult in Parkersburg typically needs take-home pay of at least $2,900/month to cover needs and save. The regional living wage for a single adult is about $17.50/hour.
Split after-tax income into 50% needs (housing, food, utilities, transport, minimum debt), 30% wants, and 20% savings and extra debt payoff. In a high-cost city like Parkersburg, the needs share often runs above 50%, so protect the 20% savings target.
Average rent in Parkersburg is about $750 for a 1-bedroom and $950 for a 2-bedroom. A common guideline keeps rent under 30% of gross income, though that is difficult in higher-cost metros.
Based on the local cost-of-living index, typical monthly expenses in Parkersburg run around $750 housing, $375 food, $475 transportation, and $150 utilities for a single person. The calculator is pre-filled with these estimates.
Aim for three to six months of essential expenses. In Parkersburg, with monthly needs around $2,070, that is roughly $6,210 to $12,420.