Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Charleston is 15% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $63,462 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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