Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Charleston is 41% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,632/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 9%
$90,038/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 25%
$469,100 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 47%
$1,688/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 29%
152,014
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $22,517/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Charleston or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $22,517/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Palm Bay

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock