Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Madison is 4% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $72,273 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Madison sits at 115 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $340,000 in Madison, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,400 in Madison.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Madison scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are lower than Madison (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $67,565 in Madison. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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