Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Detroit is 19% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $60,682 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Michigan salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Detroit sits at 60 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $65,000 in Detroit, a difference of $315,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,000 in Detroit.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Detroit scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Detroit (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $34,762 in Detroit. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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