Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Seattle is 53% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,998/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 18%
$121,984/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 26%
$912,100 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 49%
$2,220/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 24%
741,440
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $31,946/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Charleston — common questions

Is Seattle or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Charleston?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Charleston?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $31,946/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and South Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Charleston details →

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