Moving from West Palm Beach to Charleston (2026)
Charleston has a COL index of 97 vs 117 for West Palm Beach (100 = US average). You'd pay about 17% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Charleston to match your West Palm Beach lifestyle
Based on the 17% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in West Palm Beach | Equivalent in Charleston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,162 |
| $50K | $41,453 |
| $60K | $49,744 |
| $75K | $62,179 |
| $80K | $66,325 |
| $100K | $82,906 |
| $120K | $99,487 |
| $150K | $124,359 |
Monthly budget at $75K — West Palm Beach vs Charleston
| Expense | West Palm Beach | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $403 | $376 |
| Transport | $112 | $55 |
| Utilities | $200 | $162 |
| Internet | $70 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,556 | $1,797 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Charleston cheaper than West Palm Beach?
Yes. Charleston has a cost of living index of 97 vs 117 for West Palm Beach (100 = US average). That's about 17% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from West Palm Beach to Charleston?
On a $75K salary, moving from West Palm Beach to Charleston could save roughly $629/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,548/year.
What salary do I need in Charleston to match my West Palm Beach lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in West Palm Beach, you'd need roughly $62,179/year in Charleston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only