Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Charleston is 23% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $57,432 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 62 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $135,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $335,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $850 in Charleston versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 97 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (91) are lower than Gilbert (95).
Median household income in Charleston is $42,034 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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