Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Charleston is 8% more affordable than Syracuse. A $75,000 salary in Syracuse is equivalent to $69,293 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 Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $135,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $850 in Charleston versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 97 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (91) are lower than Syracuse (100).
Median household income in Charleston is $42,034 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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