Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Charleston is 14% more affordable than Mesa. A $75,000 salary in Mesa is equivalent to $64,394 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 Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $135,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $850 in Charleston versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 97 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (91) are lower than Mesa (95).
Median household income in Charleston is $42,034 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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