Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Charleston, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 10.1% cheaper than Charleston, SC. This translates to saving $761 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Charleston, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Charleston, SC, you'd need approximately $140,866.881 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Charleston, SC and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 16.2% cheaper than in Charleston, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $2,100/month in Charleston, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Charleston, SC to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Charleston, SC to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $761 per month, or $9133 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Charleston, SC vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Charleston, SC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in Charleston, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $761/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.9K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charleston-North Charleston, SC area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$761

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$490K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Charleston, SC vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Charleston, SC	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,325/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $376less	16.2%
📦Other	$1,691/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $101less	6.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,265/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $76.71less	6.1%
🛒Groceries	$984/mo	$919/mo	↓ $64.81less	6.6%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$582/mo	↓ $34.15less	5.5%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$503/mo	↓ $29.83less	5.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 16.2%

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$376

less

📦Other

↓ 6.0%

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$101

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.1%

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$76.71

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.6%

Charleston, SC

$984

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$64.81

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.5%

Charleston, SC

$617

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$34.15

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.6%

Charleston, SC

$533

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$29.83

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

Charleston, SC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,831

To$1,030

↓ $801

1 Bed

From$1,915

To$1,170

↓ $745

2 Bed

From$2,100

To$1,360

↓ $740

3 Bed

From$2,610

To$1,760

↓ $850

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$682

Difference

Home Values

Charleston

Indianapolis

$490K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$295K - $1.47M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 64% less expensive than Charleston

Calculate payment - Charleston Calculate payment - Indianapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$426

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.4%

Rate difference

Charleston, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.