Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Plano is 3% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,792/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 9%
$108,649/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 17%
$440,600 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 6%
$1,829/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 8%
287,339
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $18,611/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Charleston — common questions

Is Plano or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Charleston?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Charleston?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $18,611/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Charleston

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson