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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Cleveland is 60% cheaper than Charleston.

$894/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 83%
$39,187/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 130%
$94,100 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 399%
$866/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 95%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $50,851/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Charleston — common questions

Is Cleveland or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Charleston?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Charleston?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $50,851/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 Cleveland or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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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