Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Charleston is 20% more affordable than Boise. A $75,000 salary in Boise is equivalent to $60,142 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Charleston scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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