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

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Miami and Charleston have a similar cost of living.

$1,657/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 2%
$59,390/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 52%
$475,200 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 1%
$1,666/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 1%
446,663
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $30,648/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Charleston — common questions

Is Miami or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Charleston?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Charleston?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $30,648/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 Miami or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Charleston details →

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