Salary Needed to Live in Charleston as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $50,180/year to live comfortably in Charleston, WV — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$50,180
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$40,144
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,509
14% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Charleston
| Expense | Charleston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $176 | $209 | -16% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $54 | $44 | +23% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $18 | $28 | -36% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $40 | $44 | -9% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $173 | $223 | -22% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $44 | $56 | -21% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,032 | $1,200 | -14% |
| Internet + Phones | $155 | $180 | -14% |
| Children Activities | $215 | $250 | -14% |
| Dining Out | $301 | $350 | -14% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $129 | $150 | -14% |
| Total Monthly | $2,509 | $2,934 | -14% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,509
Target savings (15%):$553/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,062
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$50,180
Other Household Types in Charleston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Charleston?
A family with kids needs approximately $50,180/year ($4,182/month gross) to live comfortably in Charleston with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Charleston?
A 3br apartment/house in Charleston costs approximately $176/month, which is the largest single expense at 7% of the total budget.
Is Charleston affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Charleston is 14% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.