Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Charleston is 45% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,632/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 18%
$90,038/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 25%
$469,100 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 50%
$1,688/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 20%
152,014
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $22,280/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Hampton — common questions

Is Charleston or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Hampton?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Hampton?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $22,280/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Virginia?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Hampton details →

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