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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Houston is 31% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,313/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 24%
$62,894/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 43%
$253,400 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 85%
$1,316/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 28%
2,300,419
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $27,144/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Charleston — common questions

Is Houston or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Charleston?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Charleston?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $27,144/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 Houston or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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