Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Charleston is 13% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,632/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 13%
$90,038/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 68%
$469,100 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 9%
$1,688/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 28%
152,014
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $60,899/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Naperville — common questions

Is Charleston or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Naperville?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Naperville?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $60,899/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Illinois?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Naperville details →

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