Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Charleston is 8% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,632/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 10%
$90,038/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 57%
$469,100 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 2%
$1,688/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 19%
152,014
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $51,315/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Charleston or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $51,315/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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