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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Charleston is 78% more expensive than Waco.

$1,632/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 33%
$90,038/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 43%
$469,100 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 57%
$1,688/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 35%
152,014
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $38,570/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Waco — common questions

Is Charleston or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Waco?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Waco?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $38,570/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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

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