Cost of Living in South Charleston, WV
Population 13,594 · West Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
South Charleston is a smaller West Virginia community of around 14000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,616 and housing costs ($145,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
South Charleston lies roughly 130 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Columbus — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Columbus' $235,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Charleston
The median home value in South Charleston is $144,800 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $857/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,616/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. West Virginia's top state income tax rate is 6.5% and the combined sales tax is 6.4%. The climate averages highs of 66.8°F and lows of 45.5°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, South Charleston has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 44 | 48 | 57 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 86 | 85 | 80 | 69 | 57 | 48 |
| Low °F | 26 | 29 | 35 | 45 | 53 | 62 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 36 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.27 | 3.36 | 4.14 | 3.56 | 4.93 | 4.72 | 5.38 | 3.75 | 3.46 | 2.91 | 3.20 | 3.56 |
| Snow" | 10.3 | 7.7 | 5.9 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 5.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Charleston, WV?
South Charleston has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in South Charleston, WV?
The median gross rent in South Charleston is $857 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Charleston?
The median home value in South Charleston is $144,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Charleston?
The median household income in South Charleston is $59,616 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Charleston, WV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Charleston is 6.4%. The West Virginia state income tax top rate is 6.5%.
Is South Charleston, WV affordable?
Yes, South Charleston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in South Charleston?
South Charleston has average high temperatures of 66.8°F and average lows of 45.5°F. Annual precipitation is 46.2". Average annual snowfall is 31.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
South Charleston at a Glance
- Population
- 13,594
- Median Income
- $59,616
- Home Value
- $144,800
- Median Rent
- $857/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.4%
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West Virginia Rankings
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