Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Eugene is 13% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,347/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 21%
$63,836/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
$435,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 8%
$1,421/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 19%
177,520
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $26,202/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Charleston — common questions

Is Eugene or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Charleston?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Charleston?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $26,202/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and South Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Charleston details →

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