Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Rochester is 15% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $64,091 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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