Grafton, WV vs South Charleston, WV

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Grafton is 26.6% cheaper than South Charleston. With a cost index of 51 vs 69, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Grafton to South Charleston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Grafton is $429/month compared to $857/month in South Charleston — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Grafton is more affordable at $72,700 median vs $144,800.

Median household income in Grafton is $38,872 compared to $59,616 in South Charleston (-34.8%). While South Charleston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Grafton spend roughly 13.2% of their income on rent, less than the 17.3% in South Charleston.