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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Charleston is 41% more expensive than College Station.

$1,632/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 28%
$90,038/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 42%
$469,100 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 30%
$1,688/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 26%
152,014
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $38,262/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs College Station — common questions

Is Charleston or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and College Station?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or College Station?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $38,262/year higher in Charleston.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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