Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Charleston is 21% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $59,028 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while Charleston scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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