Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Milwaukee is 16% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $62,727 in Milwaukee.
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 Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Milwaukee scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Milwaukee (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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