Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Charleston is 36% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,632/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 14%
$90,038/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 37%
$469,100 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 46%
$1,688/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 13%
152,014
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $33,454/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Charleston or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $33,454/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Connecticut?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Bridgeport

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