Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Madison is 20% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,364/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 20%
$76,983/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 17%
$346,900 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 35%
$1,476/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 14%
275,568
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $13,055/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Charleston — common questions

Is Madison or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Charleston?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Charleston?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $13,055/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and South Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Charleston details →

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