Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Charleston is 66% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,632/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 35%
$90,038/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 32%
$469,100 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 46%
$1,688/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 37%
152,014
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $567/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $6,804/year.

Median household income is $28,584/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Charleston or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Lafayette?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $567/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Lafayette?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $28,584/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Louisiana?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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