Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Cincinnati is 17% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $62,045 in Cincinnati.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Cincinnati sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $195,000 in Cincinnati, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,100 in Cincinnati.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Cincinnati scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Cincinnati (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $44,003 in Cincinnati. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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