Charleston vs Evansville
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Charleston
Evansville
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 6.3%, with Evansville being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Charleston has equivalent purchasing power to $70,588 in Evansville.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Charleston has the same purchasing power as $70,588 in Evansville.
Conversely, $75,000 in Evansville equals $79,688 in Charleston.
Living in Charleston vs Evansville
Housing Costs
Charleston's housing index of 62 is higher Evansville's 55, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $170,000. The $35,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,280 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $850/mo in Charleston compared to $850/mo in Evansville, a monthly difference of $0.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 97 in Charleston and 95 in Evansville. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $461/month in Charleston vs $451/month in Evansville. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 92 in Charleston and 105 in Evansville. Monthly utility bills average approximately $368 in Charleston vs $420 in Evansville. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 91 in Charleston and 105 in Evansville. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 14-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $42,034 in Charleston and $48,600 in Evansville. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $49,452 and $60,750 respectively. Evansville residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $981/month to housing in Charleston vs $1,134/month in Evansville. In Charleston, median rent of $850/mo fits within this budget. In Evansville, median rent of $850/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 14 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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