Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Wichita is 49% cheaper than Charleston.

$960/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 70%
$63,072/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 43%
$179,500 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 161%
$994/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 70%
396,488
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $26,966/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Wichita slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Charleston — common questions

Is Wichita or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Charleston?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Charleston?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $26,966/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and South Carolina?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Charleston

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson