Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Charleston and Corpus Christi have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: West Virginia salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 62 while Corpus Christi sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $135,000 compared to $195,000 in Corpus Christi, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $850 in Charleston versus $1,100 in Corpus Christi.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 97 while Corpus Christi scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (91) are lower than Corpus Christi (93).
Median household income in Charleston is $42,034 compared to $53,238 in Corpus Christi. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
Amazon affiliate links