Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Provo, UT (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Charleston is 25% more expensive than Provo.

$1,632/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 29%
$90,038/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 30%
$469,100 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 7%
$1,688/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 28%
152,014
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $27,238/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Provo — common questions

Is Charleston or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Provo?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Provo?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $27,238/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Utah?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Provo details →

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