Charleston, SC vs Independence, MO

Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.

Score Snapshot

No universal winner

Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.

Charleston

66

#1592 nationally

vs

Independence

73.6

#702 nationally

Charleston leads in walk score (39 vs 28). Charleston leads in median household income ($76,819 vs $57,415). Independence leads in cost of living index (90 vs 115).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Charleston, SC Independence, MO
WhereAtHome Score 66 (#1592) 73.6 (#702)
Population 156,042 120,922
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $596,437 $214,173
Median Household Income $76,819 $57,415
Average Commute 24.6 min 23.9 min
Walk Score 39 28
Crime Level Moderate 15.6
School Rating 6.8 N/A
Cost of Living Index 115 90
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+5.7 D+19.3