Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Charleston is 110% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,632/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 42%
$90,038/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 27%
$469,100 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 67%
$1,688/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 42%
152,014
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $24,501/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Springfield — common questions

Is Charleston or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Springfield?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Springfield?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $24,501/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Illinois?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Springfield details →

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