Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Charleston is 8% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,632/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 2%
$90,038/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 15%
$469,100 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 16%
$1,688/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ≈ Same
152,014
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,833/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Lowell — common questions

Is Charleston or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Lowell?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Lowell?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $13,833/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Massachusetts?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Lowell details →

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