Beckley, WV vs South Charleston, WV

Beckley, WV and South Charleston, WV have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Beckley scores 70 while South Charleston scores 69 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Beckley is $867/month compared to $857/month in South Charleston — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South Charleston is more affordable at $144,800 median vs $148,800.

Median household income in Beckley is $39,939 compared to $59,616 in South Charleston (-33%). South Charleston offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Beckley spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in South Charleston.