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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Garland is 25% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,525/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 7%
$74,717/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 21%
$248,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 88%
$1,445/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 17%
245,298
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $15,321/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Charleston — common questions

Is Garland or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Charleston?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Charleston?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $15,321/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 Garland or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Charleston details →

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