Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Charleston is 8% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,632/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 11%
$90,038/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 7%
$469,100 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 6%
$1,688/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 9%
152,014
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $6,107/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Westminster slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Westminster — common questions

Is Charleston or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Westminster?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Westminster?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $6,107/year higher in Westminster.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Colorado?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

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