Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Charleston is 22% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $58,486 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 62 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $135,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $850 in Charleston versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 97 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (91) are lower than Plano (100).
Median household income in Charleston is $42,034 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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