Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Buffalo is 52% cheaper than Charleston.

$989/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 65%
$48,050/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 87%
$152,300 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 208%
$929/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 82%
276,397
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $643/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $7,716/year.

Median household income is $41,988/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Charleston — common questions

Is Buffalo or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Charleston?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $643/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Charleston?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $41,988/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between New York and South Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/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 Buffalo details → View Charleston details →

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