Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Charleston is 25% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $55,921 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Charleston scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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