Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Greenville is 14% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $64,773 in Greenville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Greenville (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Greenville.
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