Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Detroit is 59% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,034/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 58%
$39,575/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 128%
$76,800 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 511%
$868/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 94%
636,644
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $598/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $7,176/year.

Median household income is $50,463/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Charleston — common questions

Is Detroit or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Charleston?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $598/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Charleston?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $50,463/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and South Carolina?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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