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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Killeen is 41% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,147/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 42%
$58,339/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 54%
$196,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 139%
$1,176/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 44%
156,144
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $31,699/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Charleston — common questions

Is Killeen or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Charleston?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Charleston?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $31,699/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 Killeen or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Charleston

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson