Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Nashville is 14% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,486/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 10%
$75,197/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 20%
$383,100 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 22%
$1,471/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 15%
684,298
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Nashville, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $14,841/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Charleston — common questions

Is Nashville or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Nashville is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Charleston?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Charleston?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $14,841/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and South Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Charleston details →

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