Charlestown, MD vs Galena, MD

The cost of living difference between Charlestown, MD and Galena, MD is dramatic. Galena is 32.9% cheaper than Charlestown, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Charlestown has a cost index of 112 while Galena sits at 85, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Charlestown is $1,548/month compared to $850/month in Galena — a 82% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Galena is more affordable at $273,100 median vs $361,300.

Median household income in Charlestown is $109,650 compared to $87,188 in Galena (+25.8%). The higher salaries in Charlestown partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Charlestown spend roughly 16.9% of their income on rent, more than the 11.7% in Galena.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (55.2°F vs 55.2°F). Galena receives more rainfall at 47.1" per year compared to 47.1" in Charlestown.