Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Charleston is 8% more affordable than Albuquerque. A $75,000 salary in Albuquerque is equivalent to $69,293 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Mexico salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Albuquerque has a housing index of 80 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Albuquerque costs $260,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $125,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Albuquerque versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Albuquerque scores 97 while Charleston scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Albuquerque (94) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Albuquerque is $52,911 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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