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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Spokane is 30% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,141/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 43%
$65,745/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 37%
$326,200 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 44%
$1,213/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 39%
229,228
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $491/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $5,892/year.

Median household income is $24,293/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Charleston — common questions

Is Spokane or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Charleston?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $491/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Charleston?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $24,293/year higher in Charleston.
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 Spokane or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Charleston details →

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