Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Orlando is 10% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,650/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 1%
$69,268/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 30%
$359,000 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 31%
$1,621/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 4%
311,732
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $20,770/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Charleston — common questions

Is Orlando or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Charleston?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Charleston?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $20,770/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Florida and South Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Charleston details →

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