Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
St. Paul is 9% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $68,182 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are lower than St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
Amazon affiliate links