Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Charleston is 110% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,632/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 42%
$90,038/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 35%
$469,100 ↑ 214%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 68%
$1,688/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 40%
152,014
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $31,322/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Peoria — common questions

Is Charleston or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Peoria?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Peoria?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $31,322/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Illinois?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Peoria details →

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