Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Charleston is 156% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,632/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 47%
$90,038/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 52%
$469,100 ↑ 403%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 80%
$1,688/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 51%
152,014
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $766/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $9,192/year.

Median household income is $46,584/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Dayton — common questions

Is Charleston or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Dayton?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $766/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Dayton?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $46,584/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Ohio?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Dayton details →

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