Moving from Charleston to Sofia (2026)

Sofia has a COL index of 48 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 51% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$1,123/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
97 โ†’ 48
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900 โ†’ $540
per month
State tax
6.2% โ†’ 10%
income tax
COL difference
97 โ†’ 48
51% cheaper

Salary needed in Sofia to match your Charleston lifestyle

Based on the 51% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in CharlestonEquivalent in Sofia
$40K$19,794
$50K$24,742
$60K$29,691
$75K$37,113
$80K$39,588
$100K$49,485
$120K$59,381
$150K$74,227

Adjust your salary

Save ~$1,391/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Charleston vs Sofia

ExpenseCharlestonSofia
Monthly take-home$4,353$4,116
1BR rent$1,900$540
Groceries$376$380
Transport$55$150
Utilities$162$75
Internet$63$20
Left after essentials$1,797$2,951

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $1,391 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$1,696,980

over 30 years compared to staying in Charleston โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$1,391/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Sofia cheaper than Charleston?

Yes. Sofia has a cost of living index of 48 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 51% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Charleston to Sofia?

On a $75K salary, moving from Charleston to Sofia saves roughly $1,123/month on core expenses. That's ~$13,476/year.

What salary do I need in Sofia to match my Charleston lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $37,113/year in Sofia. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only