Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Charleston is 2% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,632/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 5%
$90,038/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 10%
$469,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 3%
$1,688/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 5%
152,014
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $8,648/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Meridian — common questions

Is Charleston or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Meridian?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Meridian?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $8,648/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Idaho?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord