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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Tacoma and Charleston have a similar cost of living.

$1,597/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 2%
$83,857/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 7%
$454,600 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 3%
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 3%
220,482
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,181/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Charleston — common questions

Is Tacoma or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Charleston?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Charleston?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $6,181/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 Tacoma or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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