Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Boise is 12% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,359/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 20%
$81,308/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 11%
$456,000 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 3%
$1,337/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 26%
235,701
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in Boise, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $8,730/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Charleston — common questions

Is Boise or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boise is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Charleston?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Charleston?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $8,730/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and South Carolina?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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