Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
33% cheaper
Charleston is 33% more affordable than Anchorage. A $75,000 salary in Anchorage is equivalent to $50,197 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alaska salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Anchorage has a housing index of 142 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Anchorage costs $340,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Anchorage versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Anchorage scores 120 while Charleston scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Anchorage (128) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Anchorage is $72,515 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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