Salary Needed to Live in Charleston as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $17,003/year to live comfortably in Charleston, WV — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$17,003
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$14,736
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$921
16% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Charleston
| Expense | Charleston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $95 | $113 | -16% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $21 | $17 | +24% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $9 | $14 | -36% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $24 | $26 | -8% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $173 | $223 | -22% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $44 | $56 | -21% |
| Internet | $56 | $65 | -14% |
| Phone | $73 | $85 | -14% |
| Dining & Social | $258 | $300 | -14% |
| Entertainment | $103 | $120 | -14% |
| Personal Care | $65 | $75 | -13% |
| Total Monthly | $921 | $1,094 | -16% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$921
Target savings (10%):$118/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,039
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$17,003
Other Household Types in Charleston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Charleston?
A single person needs approximately $17,003/year ($1,417/month gross) to live comfortably in Charleston with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Charleston?
A studio/1br in Charleston costs approximately $95/month, which is the largest single expense at 10% of the total budget.
Is Charleston affordable for a single person?
Yes, Charleston is 16% more affordable than the national average for a single person.