Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Charleston is 46% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,632/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 68%
$90,038/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 40%
$469,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 122%
$1,688/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 56%
152,014
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,110/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $13,320/year.

Median household income is $36,431/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Charleston or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Cambridge?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,110/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Cambridge?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $36,431/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Massachusetts?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Cambridge details →

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