Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Charleston is 56% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,632/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 20%
$90,038/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 32%
$469,100 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 51%
$1,688/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
152,014
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $333/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $3,996/year.

Median household income is $29,091/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Charleston or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Lakeland?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $333/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Lakeland?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $29,091/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Lakeland

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon