Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Charleston is 10% more affordable than Rochester. A $75,000 salary in Rochester is equivalent to $67,819 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 · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 62 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $135,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $850 in Charleston versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 97 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (91) are lower than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Charleston is $42,034 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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