Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Cincinnati is 46% cheaper than Charleston.

$953/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 71%
$51,707/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 74%
$215,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 118%
$1,041/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 62%
309,595
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $38,331/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Charleston — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Charleston?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Charleston?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $38,331/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and South Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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.
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