Moving from Miami to Charleston (2026)
Charleston has a COL index of 97 vs 123 for Miami (100 = US average). You'd pay about 21% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$710/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12397
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,500$1,900
per month
State tax
None6.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,353
per month
Salary needed in Charleston to match your Miami lifestyle
Based on the 21% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Miami | Equivalent in Charleston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,545 |
| $50K | $39,431 |
| $60K | $47,317 |
| $75K | $59,146 |
| $80K | $63,089 |
| $100K | $78,862 |
| $120K | $94,634 |
| $150K | $118,293 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Miami vs Charleston
| Expense | Miami | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $2,500 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $399 | $376 |
| Transport | $112 | $55 |
| Utilities | $185 | $162 |
| Internet | $70 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,475 | $1,797 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Charleston cheaper than Miami?
Yes. Charleston has a cost of living index of 97 vs 123 for Miami (100 = US average). That's about 21% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Miami to Charleston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Miami to Charleston could save roughly $710/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,520/year.
What salary do I need in Charleston to match my Miami lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Miami, you'd need roughly $59,146/year in Charleston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Charleston to MiamiMiami vs Charleston — full comparisonMiami cost of livingCharleston cost of living
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