Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Lexington is 15% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $63,409 in Lexington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Kentucky salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Lexington sits at 82 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $245,000 in Lexington, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,200 in Lexington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Lexington scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Lexington (94). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $55,648 in Lexington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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