Salary Comparison
Fallers: Charleston vs Washington
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Charleston, SC
$68,430/yr
Washington, DC
$87,332/yr
Our recommendation: Charleston, SC
Charleston offers $307 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite a lower gross salary.
Full Breakdown
Charleston
Washington
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$68,430
$87,332
$18,902
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$4,163
$5,313
$1,150
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
81
132
-51 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,098
$3,555
$1,457
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,207
$2,180
$973
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$2,065
$1,758
+$307
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.98×
1.49×
+0.49×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
7/10 (Moderate)
5/10 (Tight)
+2
A vs B
Charleston — Full Details
Washington — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.