Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Dallas is 24% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,403/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 16%
$67,760/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 33%
$295,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 59%
$1,409/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 20%
1,299,553
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $22,278/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Charleston — common questions

Is Dallas or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Charleston?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Charleston?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $22,278/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Charleston details →

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