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

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Colorado Springs is 7% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,562/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 4%
$83,198/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 8%
$420,700 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 12%
$1,592/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 6%
483,099
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Colorado Springs, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $6,840/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Charleston — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Colorado Springs is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Charleston?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Charleston?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $6,840/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and South Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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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