Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Charleston is 62% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,632/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 23%
$90,038/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 28%
$469,100 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 56%
$1,688/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 30%
152,014
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $24,846/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Charleston or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Dearborn?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Dearborn?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $24,846/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Michigan?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Dearborn details →

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