Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Charleston is 94% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,632/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 38%
$90,038/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 33%
$469,100 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 63%
$1,688/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 41%
152,014
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $615/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,380/year.

Median household income is $29,873/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs McAllen — common questions

Is Charleston or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and McAllen?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $615/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or McAllen?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $29,873/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Texas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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