Charleston, MS vs Utica, MS

Charleston is moderately more affordable than Utica, with a 9.1% lower cost of living index. Charleston scores 58 compared to 64 for Utica, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Utica can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Charleston is $628/month compared to $813/month in Utica — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Charleston is more affordable at $87,700 median vs $90,800.

Median household income in Charleston is $37,351 compared to $36,750 in Utica (+1.6%). Charleston offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Charleston spend roughly 20.2% of their income on rent, less than the 26.5% in Utica.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64°F vs 66°F). Charleston receives more rainfall at 51.8" per year compared to 51.3" in Utica.