City Comparison · 2026
Charleston vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Charleston = $114k in Chicago
Metric
Charleston
Chicago
COL Index
✓1.21
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,650/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$2,100/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
SC
IL
$100k Take-Home
$72,336
✓$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
27.66%
✓26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$52,536
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Charleston SC | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $46,408 $3,867/mo · 22.65% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $72,336 $6,028/mo · 27.66% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $103,678 $8,640/mo · 30.88% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Charleston has a cost-of-living index of 1.21 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Charleston is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Charleston is $1,650/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Charleston?
$100k in Charleston = $114k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 14%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Charleston or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $72,336 in SC (Charleston) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $52,536 in Charleston vs $49,786 in Chicago.
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