Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Charleston is 36% more affordable than Bend. A $75,000 salary in Bend is equivalent to $48,295 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Bend has a housing index of 182 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Bend costs $580,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $445,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Bend versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Bend scores 106 while Charleston scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Bend (106) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Bend is $68,234 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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