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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Denver is 15% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,770/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 8%
$91,681/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 2%
$586,700 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 20%
$1,839/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 8%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $1,643/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Charleston — common questions

Is Denver or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Charleston?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Charleston?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $1,643/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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