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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Charleston is 5% more expensive than Round Rock.

$1,632/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 5%
$90,038/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 8%
$469,100 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 18%
$1,688/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 6%
152,014
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $7,149/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Charleston or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Round Rock?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Round Rock?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $7,149/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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