Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Charleston is 38% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,632/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 19%
$90,038/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 3%
$469,100 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 39%
$1,688/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 21%
152,014
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $2,271/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Rochester — common questions

Is Charleston or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Rochester?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Rochester?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $2,271/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Minnesota?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Rochester details →

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