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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Milwaukee is 48% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,033/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 58%
$51,888/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 74%
$172,000 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 173%
$1,082/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 56%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $38,150/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Charleston — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Charleston?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Charleston?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $38,150/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 Milwaukee or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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