Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Charleston is 122% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,632/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 53%
$90,038/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 79%
$469,100 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 156%
$1,688/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 53%
152,014
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $873/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $10,476/year.

Median household income is $71,262/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Charleston or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Bellevue?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $873/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Bellevue?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $71,262/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Washington?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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