Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Charleston is 68% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,632/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 28%
$90,038/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 43%
$469,100 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 60%
$1,688/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 25%
152,014
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $38,396/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Charleston or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Waterbury?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Waterbury?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $38,396/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Connecticut?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Waterbury details →

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