Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Boston is 38% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,093/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 22%
$94,755/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 5%
$710,400 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 34%
$2,176/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 22%
663,972
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $4,717/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Charleston — common questions

Is Boston or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Charleston?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Charleston?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $4,717/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and South Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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