Charleston, WV vs Lexington, KY: Cost of Living Comparison
Charleston has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Charleston | Lexington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 75 | 88 | Charleston |
| Housing | 54 ($629) | 78 ($771) | Charleston |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Lexington |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 91 ($373) | Charleston |
| Utilities | 77 ($97) | 89 ($140) | Charleston |
| Healthcare | 77 ($70) | 89 ($101) | Charleston |
| Median annual wage | 93 ($45,300) | 97 ($46,920) | Charleston |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston, WV or Lexington, KY cheaper to live in?
Charleston, WV is cheaper overall by about 13 index points (Charleston, WV: 75, Lexington, KY: 88; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Charleston, WV vs Lexington, KY?
A single adult needs roughly $26,250/year in Charleston, WV and $30,800/year in Lexington, KY to cover basic living costs.