Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Charleston is 125% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,632/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 42%
$90,038/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 42%
$469,100 ↑ 263%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 72%
$1,688/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 46%
152,014
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $683/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $8,196/year.

Median household income is $37,787/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Evansville — common questions

Is Charleston or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Evansville?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $683/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Evansville?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $37,787/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Indiana?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Evansville

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow