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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Charleston is 44% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,632/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 14%
$90,038/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 20%
$469,100 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 52%
$1,688/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 18%
152,014
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $18,195/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Charleston or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Mesquite?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Mesquite?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $18,195/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

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