Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Charleston is 121% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,632/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 42%
$90,038/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 38%
$469,100 ↑ 259%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 72%
$1,688/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 45%
152,014
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $685/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $8,220/year.

Median household income is $34,136/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Topeka — common questions

Is Charleston or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Topeka?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $685/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Topeka?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $34,136/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Kansas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Topeka details →

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