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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Charleston is 5% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,632/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 19%
$90,038/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 53%
$469,100 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 13%
$1,688/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 17%
152,014
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $47,473/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Charleston or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $47,473/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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