Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Charleston is 10% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,632/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 3%
$90,038/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 10%
$469,100 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 25%
$1,688/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ≈ Same
152,014
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,077/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Charleston or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Carrollton?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Carrollton?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $9,077/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Texas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Carrollton

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman