Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Charleston is 17% more expensive than West Valley City.

$1,632/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↓ 11%
$90,038/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↓ 2%
$469,100 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$377,300 ↓ 20%
$1,688/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 13%
152,014
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $1,434/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Charleston or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and West Valley City?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or West Valley City?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $1,434/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Utah?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View West Valley City details →

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