The damage caused by Charley made it the second costliest storm in U.S. history , only to Hurricane Andrew . Charley caused approximately $ 14 billion ( 2004 USD , $ USD ) in damage to the United States , making it the fourth costliest hurricane in U.S. history , and the second costliest at the time . Although the storm caused serious damage , much of this was limited to a narrow swath associated with the hurricane 's eye wall .