Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Charleston is 17% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $62,500 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Columbia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
Amazon affiliate links