Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Corpus Christi is 21% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $59,318 in Corpus Christi.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Corpus Christi sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $195,000 in Corpus Christi, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,100 in Corpus Christi.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Corpus Christi scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Corpus Christi (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $53,238 in Corpus Christi. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Corpus Christi.
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