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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Charleston is 80% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,632/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 32%
$90,038/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 30%
$469,100 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 62%
$1,688/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
152,014
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $526/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $6,312/year.

Median household income is $27,318/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Abilene — common questions

Is Charleston or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Abilene?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $526/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Abilene?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $27,318/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Texas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Abilene

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland