Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Charleston is 117% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,632/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 39%
$90,038/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 49%
$469,100 ↑ 275%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 73%
$1,688/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 42%
152,014
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $44,193/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Charleston or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Syracuse?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Syracuse?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $44,193/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and New York?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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