Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Charleston, SC (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

New York is 30% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,779/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 8%
$79,713/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 13%
$751,700 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 38%
$1,837/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 8%
8,516,202
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $10,325/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Charleston — common questions

Is New York or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Charleston?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Charleston?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $10,325/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between New York and South Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Charleston details →

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