Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Indianapolis is 42% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,112/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 47%
$62,995/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 43%
$207,000 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 127%
$1,124/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 50%
882,043
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $27,043/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Charleston — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Charleston?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Charleston?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $27,043/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and South Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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