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Cost of Living in Charleston

Charleston, West Virginia, United States · Population 137,865

▼ -6% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,246
Couple, monthly$2,273
Family of four, monthly$2,999

Estimated Prices in Charleston

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.25per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$45.00per meal
Cappuccino$3.38each
Monthly groceries (single person)$255per month
Monthly public transport pass$41.25per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$109per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.50per month
Fitness club membership$31.50per month
Cinema ticket$8.25each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Charleston is $3,900 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,246 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,620 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($496) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Charleston

Charleston vs New YorkCharleston vs Los AngelesCharleston vs ChicagoCharleston vs MiamiCharleston vs HoustonCharleston vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

South Charleston

7 km away · West Virginia

Cross Lanes

15 km away · West Virginia

St. Albans

17 km away · West Virginia

Teays Valley

28 km away · West Virginia

Huntington

70 km away · West Virginia

Beckley

74 km away · West Virginia

Ashland

89 km away · Kentucky

Ironton

93 km away · Ohio

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Charleston

Charleston is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,246, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $496 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,999 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,273 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Charleston is $3,900. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,620 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charleston expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,246 per month in Charleston including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Charleston?
A net salary of around $1,620 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Charleston with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Charleston is $3,900.
How much is rent in Charleston?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $713 per month in the city centre and $496 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,488.
Is Charleston cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Charleston is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Charleston?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $255 in Charleston. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $11 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Charleston compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Charleston is estimated at $41. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Charleston are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 137,865). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.