Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Pompano Beach, FL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Pompano Beach

Florida
109

Charleston is 17% more expensive than Pompano Beach.

$1,632/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,636/mo ≈ Same
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$63,832/yr ↓ 29%
$469,100 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$321,900 ↓ 31%
$1,688/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,527/mo ↓ 10%
152,014
Population
112,212

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
30.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Pompano Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $26,206/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $321,900 in Pompano Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Pompano Beach — common questions

Is Charleston or Pompano Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pompano Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Pompano Beach?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Pompano Beach it's $1,636/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Pompano Beach?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $63,832 in Pompano Beach. Median household income is $26,206/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 Pompano Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Pompano Beach has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,636/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Pompano Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Pompano Beach

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Pompano Beach vs. Lansing Pompano Beach vs. Peoria Pompano Beach vs. Las Cruces Pompano Beach vs. Downey Pompano Beach vs. Gresham Pompano Beach vs. Murrieta