Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Arlington is 59% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,275/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 28%
$140,160/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 36%
$864,800 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 46%
$2,414/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 30%
235,463
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $50,122/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Charleston — common questions

Is Arlington or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Charleston?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Charleston?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $50,122/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Charleston details →

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