Salary Needed to Live in Charleston as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $23,600/year to live comfortably in Charleston, WV — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$23,600
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$19,824
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,239
15% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Charleston
| Expense | Charleston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $115 | $137 | -16% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $33 | $27 | +22% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $12 | $19 | -37% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $32 | $35 | -9% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $173 | $223 | -22% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $44 | $56 | -21% |
| Internet | $56 | $65 | -14% |
| Phone (×2) | $120 | $140 | -14% |
| Dining & Social | $387 | $450 | -14% |
| Entertainment | $155 | $180 | -14% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $112 | $130 | -14% |
| Total Monthly | $1,239 | $1,462 | -15% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,239
Target savings (12%):$201/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,440
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$23,600
Other Household Types in Charleston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Charleston?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $23,600/year ($1,967/month gross) to live comfortably in Charleston with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Charleston?
A 1-2br apartment in Charleston costs approximately $115/month, which is the largest single expense at 9% of the total budget.
Is Charleston affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Yes, Charleston is 15% more affordable than the national average for a couple (no kids).