Charleston, SC vs Rock Hill, SC

The cost of living difference between Charleston, SC and Rock Hill, SC is dramatic. Rock Hill is 30.1% cheaper than Charleston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Charleston has a cost index of 123 while Rock Hill sits at 95, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month compared to $1,279/month in Rock Hill — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rock Hill is more affordable at $267,400 median vs $469,100.

Median household income in Charleston is $90,038 compared to $64,770 in Rock Hill (+39%). While Charleston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Charleston spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, less than the 23.7% in Rock Hill.

Climate-wise, Charleston is notably warmer with an average of 67.2°F compared to 61°F in Rock Hill. Charleston receives more rainfall at 44.3" per year compared to 42.4" in Rock Hill.