Charleston vs Columbia: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Charleston | Columbia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,574 | $1,124 | +33% |
| Median household income | $92,414 | $55,529 | +50% |
| Grocery cost index | 96.3 | 96.3 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $140 | $140 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$85,334
- Difference
- $5,334