Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Austin is 5% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,655/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 1%
$91,461/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 2%
$512,700 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 9%
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 3%
967,862
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,423/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Charleston — common questions

Is Austin or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Charleston?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Charleston?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $1,423/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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.
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