Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Independence, MO (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Charleston is 91% more expensive than Independence.

$1,632/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 35%
$90,038/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 34%
$469,100 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 65%
$1,688/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 38%
152,014
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $571/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $6,852/year.

Median household income is $30,558/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Independence — common questions

Is Charleston or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Independence?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $571/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Independence?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $30,558/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Missouri?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Independence details →

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