Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Charleston is 6% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,632/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 5%
$90,038/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 10%
$469,100 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 7%
$1,688/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 3%
152,014
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $8,949/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Charleston or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $80/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $8,949/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Michigan?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Ann Arbor details →

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