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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Pittsburgh is 41% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,221/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 34%
$64,137/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 40%
$193,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 143%
$1,136/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 49%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $25,901/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Charleston — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Charleston?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Charleston?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $25,901/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 Pittsburgh or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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.
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