Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Lexington is 36% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,101/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 48%
$67,631/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 33%
$272,100 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 72%
$1,160/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 46%
321,122
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $531/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $6,372/year.

Median household income is $22,407/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Charleston — common questions

Is Lexington or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Charleston?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $531/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Charleston?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $22,407/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and South Carolina?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Charleston details →

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