Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Charleston is 16% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,632/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 10%
$90,038/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 26%
$469,100 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 28%
$1,688/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 15%
152,014
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $23,358/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Arvada — common questions

Is Charleston or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Arvada?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Arvada?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $23,358/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Colorado?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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