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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Charleston is 68% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,632/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 26%
$90,038/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 29%
$469,100 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 59%
$1,688/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 32%
152,014
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $25,768/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Charleston or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Pasadena?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Pasadena?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $25,768/year higher in Charleston.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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