Question 1

Is Arlington or Charleston cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Charleston, SC is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $343/month less than in Arlington, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $2,246/mo in Arlington versus $1,787/mo in Charleston.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Arlington vs Charleston?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $90,000/year before tax in Arlington, VA and $81,500/year in Charleston, SC — a difference of about $8,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Arlington or Charleston cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Charleston, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $13,377/month in Arlington and $9,492/month in Charleston, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Arlington or Charleston?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Charleston costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Arlington68	Charleston73
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,676	$4,333
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$13,377	$9,492
Salary for comfort	$90,000/yr	$81,500/yr
Typical rent	$2,246	$1,787
Median home value	$864,800	$469,100
Median household income	$140,160	$90,038
Unemployment	0.0%	3.4%
Housing score	52	56
Jobs score	89	92
Safety score	65	64
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	26	36
Population	235.5K	152K
Summer high / winter low	88° / 29°	88° / 43°

Arlington, VA vs Charleston, SC