Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Charleston is 6% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $70,513 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 · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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