Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Kent, WA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Charleston is 12% cheaper than Kent.

$1,632/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 12%
$90,038/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,416/yr ≈ Same
$469,100 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 15%
$1,688/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 13%
152,014
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $378/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Kent — common questions

Is Charleston or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Kent?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Kent?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $378/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Washington?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Kent details →

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