Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Louisville is 17% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $62,045 in Louisville.
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 Louisville sits at 77 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $210,000 in Louisville, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,100 in Louisville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Louisville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Louisville (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $52,238 in Louisville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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