Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Charleston is 21% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $59,579 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · West Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Charleston sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $135,000 in Charleston, a difference of $295,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $850 in Charleston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Charleston scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Charleston (91).
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $42,034 in Charleston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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