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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Charleston is 6% more expensive than Pearland.

$1,632/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 8%
$90,038/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 25%
$469,100 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 29%
$1,688/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 16%
152,014
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $22,432/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Pearland — common questions

Is Charleston or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Pearland?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Pearland?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $22,432/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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