Fairmont, WV vs South Charleston, WV

South Charleston is moderately more affordable than Fairmont, with a 5.3% lower cost of living index. Fairmont scores 73 compared to 69 for South Charleston, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fairmont can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fairmont is $902/month compared to $857/month in South Charleston — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South Charleston is more affordable at $144,800 median vs $159,100.

Median household income in Fairmont is $60,791 compared to $59,616 in South Charleston (+2%). Fairmont does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Fairmont spend roughly 17.8% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in South Charleston.