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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Charleston is 62% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,632/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 27%
$90,038/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 27%
$469,100 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 54%
$1,688/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 31%
152,014
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $24,511/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Tyler — common questions

Is Charleston or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Tyler?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Tyler?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $24,511/year higher in Charleston.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Tyler details →

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