Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Charleston is 34% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $49,805 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 62 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $135,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $365,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $850 in Charleston versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 97 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (91) are lower than Riverside (102).
Median household income in Charleston is $42,034 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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