Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Jacksonville is 28% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,375/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 19%
$66,981/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 34%
$266,100 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 76%
$1,324/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 27%
961,739
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $23,057/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Charleston — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Charleston?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Charleston?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $23,057/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Florida and South Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Charleston details →

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