Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Springfield is 38% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,114/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 46%
$51,339/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 75%
$222,700 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 111%
$1,276/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 32%
154,751
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $38,699/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Charleston — common questions

Is Springfield or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Charleston?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Charleston?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $38,699/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and South Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Charleston details →

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