Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Salt Lake City is 9% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,343/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 22%
$74,925/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 20%
$495,700 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 5%
$1,394/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 21%
203,888
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $15,113/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Charleston — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Charleston?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Charleston?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $15,113/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Utah and South Carolina?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Charleston

Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson