City Comparison · 2026
Charleston vs New York City
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Charleston = $176k in New York City
Metric
Charleston
New York City
COL Index
✓1.21
2.13
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,650/mo
$3,500/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$2,100/mo
$4,500/mo
State Income Tax
SC
NY
$100k Take-Home
$72,336
✓$73,522
$100k Effective Rate
27.66%
✓26.48%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$52,536
$31,522
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Charleston SC | New York City NY |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $46,408 $3,867/mo · 22.65% eff. | $47,420 $3,952/mo · 20.97% eff. |
| $100,000 | $72,336 $6,028/mo · 27.66% eff. | $73,522 $6,127/mo · 26.48% eff. |
| $150,000 | $103,678 $8,640/mo · 30.88% eff. | $104,939 $8,745/mo · 30.04% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or New York City cheaper to live in?
Charleston has a cost-of-living index of 1.21 while New York City is 2.13 (1.00 = US average). Charleston is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Charleston is $1,650/month vs $3,500/month in New York City.
How much more do you need to earn in New York City vs Charleston?
$100k in Charleston = $176k in New York City. Cost of living in New York City is higher by 76%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Charleston or New York City?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $72,336 in SC (Charleston) and $73,522 in NY (New York City). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $52,536 in Charleston vs $31,522 in New York City.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideCharleston vs New York City cost of livingCharleston vs Los Angeles cost of livingCharleston vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in CharlestonCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in CharlestonRegistered Nurse salary in CharlestonWhere does $100k rank nationally?