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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Charleston and Richardson have a similar cost of living.

$1,632/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 12%
$90,038/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 7%
$469,100 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 14%
$1,688/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 6%
152,014
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $6,219/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Richardson — common questions

Is Charleston or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Richardson?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Richardson?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $6,219/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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