Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Nashville is 7% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $69,545 in Nashville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Tennessee salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Nashville sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $380,000 in Nashville, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,600 in Nashville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Nashville scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Nashville (98). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $59,828 in Nashville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Nashville.
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