Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Provo is 5% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $70,909 in Provo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Provo.
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