Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Norman, OK (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Charleston is 68% more expensive than Norman.

$1,632/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 35%
$90,038/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 28%
$469,100 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 49%
$1,688/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 34%
152,014
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $568/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $6,816/year.

Median household income is $24,978/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Norman — common questions

Is Charleston or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Norman?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $568/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Norman?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $24,978/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Oklahoma?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Norman details →

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