#18: Shannondale, West Virginia
Avg Yearly Salary: $54,940
Avg Monthly Cost of Living: $7,280
Set near the Virginia and Maryland borders, Shannondale attracts people who want a quiet home within reach of higher-paying job markets. The downside can be costly housing and long drives. Limited nearby stores and services may also force residents to travel farther for groceries, work, healthcare, and other needs.

West Virginia’s average salary works out to around $4,578 per month before taxes. Shannondale’s estimated expenses are about $2,700 higher, creating one of the largest gaps on this list so far. Unless a household has two incomes, it may be hard to pay regular bills without using savings or taking on debt.
