Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Charleston is 58% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,632/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 25%
$90,038/yr ↑ 99%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 50%
$469,100 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 54%
$1,688/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 24%
152,014
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $44,738/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Hartford — common questions

Is Charleston or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Hartford?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Hartford?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $44,738/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Connecticut?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Hartford details →

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