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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Charleston is 7% cheaper than Allen.

$1,632/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 15%
$90,038/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 43%
$469,100 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 8%
$1,688/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 23%
152,014
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $39,092/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Allen — common questions

Is Charleston or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Allen?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Allen?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $39,092/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Allen details →

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