Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Washington is 34% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,900/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 14%
$106,287/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 15%
$724,600 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 35%
$2,103/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 20%
672,079
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $16,249/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Charleston — common questions

Is Washington or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Charleston?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Charleston?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $16,249/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and South Carolina?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Charleston details →

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