Moving from Fort Lauderdale to Charleston (2026)
Charleston has a COL index of 97 vs 120 for Fort Lauderdale (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Charleston to match your Fort Lauderdale lifestyle
Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Lauderdale | Equivalent in Charleston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,333 |
| $50K | $40,417 |
| $60K | $48,500 |
| $75K | $60,625 |
| $80K | $64,667 |
| $100K | $80,833 |
| $120K | $97,000 |
| $150K | $121,250 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Lauderdale vs Charleston
| Expense | Fort Lauderdale | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $2,600 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $407 | $376 |
| Transport | $112 | $55 |
| Utilities | $195 | $162 |
| Internet | $70 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,357 | $1,797 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Charleston cheaper than Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Charleston has a cost of living index of 97 vs 120 for Fort Lauderdale (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Lauderdale to Charleston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Lauderdale to Charleston could save roughly $828/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,936/year.
What salary do I need in Charleston to match my Fort Lauderdale lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Lauderdale, you'd need roughly $60,625/year in Charleston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only