Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Philadelphia is 34% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,323/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 23%
$60,698/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 48%
$232,400 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 102%
$1,233/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 37%
1,582,432
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $29,340/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Charleston — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Charleston?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Charleston?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $29,340/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and South Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Charleston details →

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