Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Tampa is 12% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,567/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 4%
$71,302/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 26%
$375,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 25%
$1,553/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 9%
393,389
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $18,736/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Charleston — common questions

Is Tampa or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Charleston?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Charleston?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $18,736/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Florida and South Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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