Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Charleston is 7% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,632/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 11%
$90,038/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 12%
$469,100 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 3%
$1,688/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 13%
152,014
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $10,947/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Thornton — common questions

Is Charleston or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Thornton?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Thornton?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $10,947/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Colorado?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Thornton

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton