Is Charleston, SC cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Charleston, SC is 13.5% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale, FL. This translates to saving $1016 per month.

What salary do I need in Charleston, SC to live like I do in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you'd need approximately $137,806.442 in Charleston, SC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Charleston, SC?

Housing in Charleston, SC is 28.4% cheaper than in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,100/month in Charleston, SC compared to $2,330/month in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Charleston, SC?

Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Charleston, SC could save you approximately $1016 per month, or $12194 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Charleston, SC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Charleston, SC

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.8K in Charleston, SC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,016

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.2K

Per year

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

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Population:184K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$530K

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$490K

Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Sunshine State

184K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 184K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Charleston, SC

Category	Fort Lauderdale, FL	Charleston, SC	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,325/mo	↓ $924less	28.4%
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,691/mo	↓ $234less	12.1%
Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,265/mo	↓ $196less	13.4%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$984/mo	↓ $95.07less	8.8%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$617/mo	↑ $27.95more	4.7%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$533/mo	↑ $13.44more	2.6%

Housing

↓ 28.4%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$3,248

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Difference

$924

less

Other

↓ 12.1%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,925

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Difference

$234

less

Transportation

↓ 13.4%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,462

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Difference

$196

less

Groceries

↓ 8.8%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$1,079

Charleston, SC

$984

Difference

$95.07

less

Healthcare

↑ 4.7%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$589

Charleston, SC

$617

Difference

$27.95

All Utilities

↑ 2.6%

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$519

Charleston, SC

$533

Difference

$13.44

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,730

To$1,831

↑ $101

1 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,915

↑ $15.00

2 Bed

From$2,330

To$2,100

↓ $230

3 Bed

From$3,210

To$2,610

↓ $600

Fort Lauderdale, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,850/mo

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/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.

$8,822

Monthly in Fort Lauderdale, FL

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$1,408

Difference

Home Values

Fort Lauderdale

Charleston

$530K

Median Value

$490K

↓ -4.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

↑ +38.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.7%

$358K - $851K

Price Range

$295K - $1.47M

Homes in Charleston are 7% less expensive than Fort Lauderdale

Calculate payment - Fort Lauderdale Calculate payment - Charleston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$830

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.6%

Rate difference

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Additional Tax Information

Fort Lauderdale, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.