Charleston vs Killeen
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Charleston
Killeen
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 1.2%, with Killeen being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Charleston has equivalent purchasing power to $74,118 in Killeen.
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 $74,118 in Killeen.
Conversely, $75,000 in Killeen equals $75,893 in Charleston.
Living in Charleston vs Killeen
Housing Costs
Charleston's housing index of 62 is higher Killeen's 56, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $235,000. The $100,000 difference in home prices means roughly $6,504 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $850/mo in Charleston compared to $975/mo in Killeen, a monthly difference of $125.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 97 in Charleston and 96 in Killeen. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $461/month in Charleston vs $456/month in Killeen. 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 108 in Killeen. Monthly utility bills average approximately $368 in Charleston vs $432 in Killeen. 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 96 in Killeen. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $42,034 in Charleston and $56,400 in Killeen. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $49,452 and $67,143 respectively. Killeen 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 $1,316/month in Killeen. In Charleston, median rent of $850/mo fits within this budget. In Killeen, median rent of $975/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 16 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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