Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Charleston is 62% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,632/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 22%
$90,038/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 41%
$469,100 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 60%
$1,688/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 26%
152,014
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $36,635/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Allentown — common questions

Is Charleston or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Allentown?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Allentown?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $36,635/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Pennsylvania?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Allentown details →

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