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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Charleston, WV โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Columbus, OH area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.1K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $175.5K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 28.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,129
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$25.5K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Charleston, WV

Population:47K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$176K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:128
Median Home:$513K

Charleston, WV

The Mountain State

47K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in West Virginia, this city has a population of 47K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • โ€ขOutdoor recreation hub
  • โ€ขMajor cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Charleston, WV vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 84.7%
Charleston, WV
$1,759
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,489
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 19.7%
Charleston, WV
$1,482
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$292
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 12.4%
Charleston, WV
$1,300
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$161
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 8.8%
Charleston, WV
$946
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$83.51
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 14.5%
Charleston, WV
$453
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$65.93
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 6.7%
Charleston, WV
$592
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$39.54
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Charleston, WV: Charleston Service Fee/B&O Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)
Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)
Net difference-$1,431/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$615
To$1,720
โ†‘ $1,105
1 Bed
From$664
To$1,840
โ†‘ $1,176
2 Bed
From$833
To$2,190
โ†‘ $1,357
3 Bed
From$1,109
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,761
Charleston, WVZIP-level data

1BR range: $780โ€“$990/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620โ€“$2,540/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,533
Monthly in Charleston, WV
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$2,132
Difference

Home Values

Charleston
Denver
$176K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +1.7%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +30.9%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$148K - $249K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 191% more expensive than Charleston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $2.0K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$169
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.4%
Rate difference

Charleston, WV

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
West Virginia State Tax
Effective: 5.8%
$8.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.4%
$45.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,697/month
$104.4K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Colorado State Tax
Effective: 4.4%
$6.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.1%
$43.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,866/month
$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Charleston, WV Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.7%
Property Tax:0.6%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Charleston
Denver
53 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
41.3%
Good Air Days
35.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
18 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
18 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between West Virginia and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

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