Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Omaha is 18% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $61,364 in Omaha.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Nebraska salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Omaha sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $230,000 in Omaha, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,100 in Omaha.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Omaha scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Omaha (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $59,612 in Omaha. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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