Moving from Tokyo to Charleston (2026)
Charleston has a COL index of 97 vs 86 for Tokyo (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 13% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Charleston to match your Tokyo lifestyle
Based on the 13% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tokyo | Equivalent in Charleston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $45,380 |
| $50K | $56,725 |
| $60K | $68,070 |
| $75K | $85,088 |
| $80K | $90,760 |
| $100K | $113,450 |
| $120K | $136,140 |
| $150K | $170,175 |
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Monthly budget at $75K — Tokyo vs Charleston
| Expense | Tokyo | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $3,491 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $380 | $376 |
| Transport | $150 | $55 |
| Utilities | $90 | $162 |
| Internet | $30 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,641 | $1,797 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Charleston cheaper than Tokyo?
No. Charleston has a cost of living index of 97 vs 86 for Tokyo (100 = US average). That's about 13% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Tokyo to Charleston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tokyo to Charleston saves roughly $163/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,956/year.
What salary do I need in Charleston to match my Tokyo lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tokyo, you'd need roughly $85,088/year in Charleston. 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 · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only