Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Portland is 8% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,596/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 2%
$88,792/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 1%
$557,600 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 16%
$1,771/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 5%
642,715
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,246/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Charleston — common questions

Is Portland or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Charleston?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Charleston?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $1,246/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and South Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Charleston details →

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