Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Worcester is 19% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,415/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 15%
$67,544/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 33%
$339,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 38%
$1,521/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 11%
205,501
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $22,494/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Charleston — common questions

Is Worcester or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Charleston?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Charleston?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $22,494/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and South Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Charleston details →

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