Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Charleston is 26% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,632/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 35%
$90,038/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 19%
$469,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 31%
$1,688/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 40%
152,014
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $575/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $6,900/year.

Median household income is $17,436/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Stamford — common questions

Is Charleston or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Stamford?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $575/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Stamford?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $17,436/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Connecticut?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Stamford

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs