Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Charleston is 43% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $43,074 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $615,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boulder scores 107 while Charleston scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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