Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Reno is 5% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,453/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 12%
$78,448/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 15%
$498,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 6%
$1,482/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 14%
268,959
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $11,590/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Charleston — common questions

Is Reno or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Charleston?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Charleston?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $11,590/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and South Carolina?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Charleston details →

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