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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Charleston is 29% more expensive than Midland.

$1,632/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 14%
$90,038/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 1%
$469,100 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 36%
$1,688/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 13%
152,014
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $1,131/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Midland — common questions

Is Charleston or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Midland?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Midland?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $1,131/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Midland

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