Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Charleston is 35% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,632/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 12%
$90,038/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 40%
$469,100 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 47%
$1,688/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 10%
152,014
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $36,267/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs New Haven — common questions

Is Charleston or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and New Haven?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or New Haven?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $36,267/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Connecticut?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and New Haven

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo