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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Charleston is 35% more expensive than Lehigh Acres.

$1,632/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↓ 8%
$90,038/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 31%
$469,100 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$263,200 ↓ 44%
$1,688/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↓ 21%
152,014
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Lehigh Acres, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $27,708/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Charleston or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $27,708/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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Lehigh Acres details →

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