Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Charleston is 42% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,632/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 23%
$90,038/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 2%
$469,100 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 46%
$1,688/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 11%
152,014
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $1,722/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Elgin — common questions

Is Charleston or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Elgin?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Elgin?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $1,722/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Illinois?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Elgin

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont