Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Omaha is 38% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,150/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 42%
$72,708/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 24%
$230,100 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 104%
$1,249/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 35%
488,197
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Omaha, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $17,330/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Charleston — common questions

Is Omaha or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Omaha is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Charleston?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Charleston?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $17,330/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and South Carolina?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Charleston details →

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