Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Chicago is 22% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,380/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 18%
$75,134/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 20%
$315,200 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 49%
$1,502/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 12%
2,707,648
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $14,904/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Charleston — common questions

Is Chicago or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Charleston?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Charleston?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $14,904/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and South Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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