Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Charleston is 28% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $54,276 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 · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are lower than Washington (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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