Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Spokane is 11% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $66,818 in Spokane.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Spokane sits at 94 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $310,000 in Spokane, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,200 in Spokane.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Spokane scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Spokane (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $48,834 in Spokane. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Spokane.
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