Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Dallas is 6% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $70,227 in Dallas.
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 Dallas sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $310,000 in Dallas, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,500 in Dallas.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Dallas scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Dallas (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $54,747 in Dallas. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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