Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Charleston is 19% more expensive than Brandon.

$1,632/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 4%
$90,038/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 14%
$469,100 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 37%
$1,688/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 8%
152,014
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $12,970/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Brandon — common questions

Is Charleston or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Brandon?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Brandon?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $12,970/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Brandon details →

More Comparisons

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