Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Providence is 23% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,333/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 22%
$66,772/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 35%
$322,800 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 45%
$1,467/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 15%
190,214
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $23,266/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Charleston — common questions

Is Providence or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Charleston?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Charleston?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $23,266/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and South Carolina?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Charleston details →

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