Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Charleston is 7% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $69,915 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 · Colorado salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,900 in Denver.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Denver scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) match Denver (104). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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