Charleston, West Virginia
In Charleston, West Virginia, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.72 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.27 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $950, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.58% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Charleston's cost-of-living index of 78 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.72
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$950
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.58%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$8.49
Combo meal
Electricity
12.8¢/kWh
~$115/mo avg bill
Car Insurance
$140/mo
$1,680/yr state avg
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Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.59 | $1.84 | $2.40 | $3.55 | $1.91 | +2960.0% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.05 | $3.30 | $3.23 | $3.33 | $3.43 | +630.0% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.58 | $4.39 | $4.56 | $4.84 | $4.89 | +36.6% |
| Bread (loaf) | $1.82 | $2.43 | $2.57 | $2.72 | $2.80 | +1900.0% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.22 | $3.41 | $3.51 | $3.55 | $3.62 | +2630.0% |
| Butter (lb) | $3.70 | $4.19 | $4.49 | $4.76 | $4.95 | +33.8% |
| Bacon (lb) | $5.78 | $6.37 | $6.82 | $7.02 | $7.16 | +23.9% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.21 | $5.85 | $6.02 | $6.14 | $6.39 | +22.6% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.27 | $1.56 | $1.67 | $1.70 | $1.72 | +35.4% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $3.55 | $4.16 | $4.37 | $4.46 | $4.55 | +28.2% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $7.34 | $8.90 | $9.61 | $10.19 | $10.60 | +44.4% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.35 | $3.95 | $4.43 | $4.70 | $4.89 | +46.0% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $3.35 | $3.55 | $3.69 | $3.80 | $3.95 | +17.9% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $3.81 | $4.00 | $4.16 | $4.20 | $4.24 | +11.3% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $1.98 | $2.20 | $2.36 | $2.43 | $2.53 | +27.8% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.59 | $1.78 | $1.94 | $2.06 | $2.12 | +33.3% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $4.89 | $6.23 | $6.86 | $7.06 | $7.20 | +47.2% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $3.66 | $3.99 | $4.15 | $4.32 | $4.49 | +22.7% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.35 | $4.95 | $5.30 | $5.57 | $5.62 | +29.2% |
| Frozen Pizza | $5.19 | $6.23 | $6.80 | $7.14 | $7.21 | +38.9% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$8.49
Casual Dining
$16.15
Monthly Spend
$285.02
+4.01% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $5.26
$8.49
+61.4%Wendy's
2022: $5.94
$9.17
+54.4%Chipotle
2022: $6.37
$9.51
+49.3%Starbucks
2022: $3.07
$4.26
+38.8%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Charleston?
Average 1BR: $741/mo · 2BR: $1,121/mo
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