The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Charleston, WV

This guide strips away the hype. A $100,000 salary is a solid number on paper, but it doesn't buy the same lifestyle everywhere. Here is the math for Charleston, West Virginia.

1. The Verification Test

Let's see what a $100,000 salary actually pays you. We are assuming you are single, filing as "Single" (2024 tax brackets), and taking the standard deduction.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Income Tax: ~$13,760
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): ~$7,650
• West Virginia State Tax: ~$4,950 (WV has a progressive tax bracket; this is an estimate for this income level).
• ESTIMATE Net Pay (Take-Home): ~$73,640 annually (~$6,136 monthly)

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20)

Using your estimated monthly take-home of $6,136:

• Needs (50% - $3,068):
  • Rent (1BR): $816 (This is the local average; you can find cheaper or more expensive).
  • Utilities/Internet: ~$200
  • Groceries: ~$400
  • Car Payment/Gas/Insurance: ~$600
  • Remaining for Needs: $1,052 (Buffer for health insurance, copays, etc.)
• Wants (30% - $1,840):
  • Dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, hobbies.
• Savings (20% - $1,227):
  • Retirement (401k/IRA), Emergency Fund, Investments.

3. Charleston Tax Context

West Virginia is not a tax haven, but it is manageable.

• Vs. Texas/Florida: Both have 0% state income tax. On a $100k salary, you would keep an extra ~$4,950 per year in those states. Your net pay would be closer to $78,600.
• Vs. California/NY: High-tax states could charge ~$6,000–$8,000 more in state tax. You are saving money by being in WV compared to those locations.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. It is significantly above the median household income for Charleston. You will live comfortably, with room for savings and discretionary spending, thanks to low housing costs.

"Local income tax?"
West Virginia has a state income tax. Charleston (Kanawha County) does not levy a separate local earned income tax on residents, though municipal occupational taxes exist for those who work (but do not live) in specific smaller municipalities.