Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Charleston is 36% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $48,295 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: West Virginia salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 62 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $135,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $295,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $850 in Charleston versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 97 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (91) are lower than Columbia (101).
Median household income in Charleston is $42,034 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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