Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Minneapolis is 20% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,329/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 23%
$80,269/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 12%
$345,600 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 36%
$1,513/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 12%
426,845
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $9,769/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Charleston — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Charleston?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Charleston?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $9,769/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and South Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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.
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