Salary & Cost of Living in Charleston, WV
Charleston, WV: $50,000 median salary, cost of living index 85, $8.75/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,000
$24/hr
Cost of Living
85
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$8.75
per hour
Unemployment
4%
rate
Charleston, WV Overview
Population
48,006
Median Salary
$50,000
Average Salary
$55,500
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$150,000
Median Rent
$850/mo
Job Growth
+0.5%
Sales Tax
6%
Charleston is located in West Virginia with a population of 48,006. The median household salary is $50,000 per year ($24/hour), which is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.5%.
Charleston Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Charleston, WV, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$39,804
$3,316.96/month · $1,530.90/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.4%
Gross Pay
$50,000
Federal Tax
-$3,962
State Tax
-$2,410
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,825
Net Pay
$39,804
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,166.67 | $50,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$330.13 | -$3,961.50 |
| West Virginia State Tax (4.82%) | -$200.83 | -$2,410.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$258.33 | -$3,100.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$60.42 | -$725.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,316.96 | $39,803.50 |
Salary Comparison: Charleston vs Other Cities
See how Charleston's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV | $50,000 | 85 | $58,824 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Modesto, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Salinas, CA | $50,000 | 110 | $45,455 |
| Lakeland, FL | $50,000 | 92 | $54,348 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Charleston
Charleston's cost of living index is 85 (national average = 100). Living in Charleston is 15% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$150,000
Median Monthly Rent
$850
Annual Rent Cost
$10,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $39,804 annual take-home pay in Charleston has the purchasing power of approximately $46,828 in an average-cost US area. Your $50,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Charleston
Charleston's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,000.
Salary Tips for Charleston Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Charleston has a cost of living 15% below the national average. A salary of $50,000 here has the purchasing power of about $58,824 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. Charleston's top industries include Government, Healthcare, Chemical. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Charleston, WV?
The median salary in Charleston, WV is $50,000 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $55,500. This is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV?
Charleston's cost of living index is 85 (national average = 100), meaning it is 15% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $150,000 and the median monthly rent is $850.
What are the best industries in Charleston?
The top industries in Charleston, WV include Government, Healthcare, Chemical. The city has a job growth rate of 0.5% and an unemployment rate of 4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,000.
How does Charleston's salary compare to other cities?
Charleston's median salary of $50,000 is 15.8% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 85), the real purchasing power is approximately $58,824.
What is the minimum wage in Charleston, WV?
The minimum wage in Charleston, WV is $8.75 per hour. This equals approximately $18,200 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $1.50 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.