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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Salem is 18% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,323/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 23%
$71,900/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 25%
$382,400 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 23%
$1,440/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 17%
176,666
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $18,138/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Charleston — common questions

Is Salem or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Charleston?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Charleston?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $18,138/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 Salem or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Charleston details →

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