Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Charleston is 8% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,632/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 5%
$90,038/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 23%
$469,100 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 21%
$1,688/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 1%
152,014
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $20,777/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Charleston or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $20,777/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and West Palm Beach

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings