Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Charleston is 13% more affordable than Billings. A $75,000 salary in Billings is equivalent to $65,051 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Montana salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Billings has a housing index of 93 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Billings costs $310,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Billings versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Billings scores 99 while Charleston scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Billings (102) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Billings is $55,438 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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