Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Kansas City is 49% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,073/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 52%
$59,183/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 52%
$147,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 219%
$1,054/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 60%
154,776
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $30,855/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Charleston — common questions

Is Kansas City or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Charleston?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Charleston?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $30,855/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and South Carolina?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Charleston

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