Cost of Living: Yonkers, NY vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Yonkers

New York
133
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Yonkers is 4% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,730/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 6%
$81,816/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 10%
$478,000 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 2%
$1,759/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 4%
209,529
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Yonkers, NY and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 133 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $8,222/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Yonkers is $478,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yonkers vs Charleston — common questions

Is Yonkers or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Yonkers and Charleston?
Median rent in Yonkers is $1,730/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Yonkers or Charleston?
Median household income is $81,816 in Yonkers and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $8,222/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between New York and South Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Yonkers or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with median rent of $1,730/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 Yonkers details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Yonkers and Charleston

Yonkers vs. Fayetteville Yonkers vs. Cape Coral Yonkers vs. Rochester Yonkers vs. Worcester Yonkers vs. Frisco Yonkers vs. Columbus Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson