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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Charleston is 22% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,632/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 6%
$90,038/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 28%
$469,100 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 30%
$1,688/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 16%
152,014
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $25,598/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Charleston or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Clearwater?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Clearwater?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $25,598/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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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