Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Oklahoma City is 21% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $59,318 in Oklahoma City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Oklahoma salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Oklahoma City sits at 68 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $195,000 in Oklahoma City, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,000 in Oklahoma City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Oklahoma City scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Oklahoma City (92).
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $55,458 in Oklahoma City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Oklahoma City.
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