Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Charleston is 23% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $57,955 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $245,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Charleston scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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