Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Indianapolis is 16% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $62,727 in Indianapolis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Indiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Indianapolis sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $220,000 in Indianapolis, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,100 in Indianapolis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Indianapolis scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Indianapolis (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $49,968 in Indianapolis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Indianapolis.
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