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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Vancouver is 4% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,632/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ≈ Same
$78,156/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 15%
$440,300 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 7%
$1,607/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 5%
192,696
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,882/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Charleston — common questions

Is Vancouver or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Vancouver is cheaper to live in with an index of 123 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Charleston?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $0/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Charleston?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $11,882/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 Vancouver or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Charleston details →

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