Austin vs. Charleston City Comparison, Job Market and Cost of Living

Austin vs. Charleston. The Music City vs. The Holy City. Silicon Hills vs. Silicon Harbor. On the surface, Austin and Charleston appear to have as much in common as apples and oranges, but when you zoom in and look more closely, these two charming cities are actually very similar.  

Charleston, the most populous city in South Carolina, is known for its southern charm, unique blend of historic preservation with modern growth, and award-winning dining. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, Charleston is rich in history and thrives on its tourism industry. Austin, meanwhile, was founded in 1839 and is known for its vibrant music scene, funky vibe, and outdoor life. Originally named “Waterloo,” the Texan city is also rich with history and the economy benefits from a large influx of tourists each year. 

Whether considering a move or just a visit to either city, it’s handy to know the lay of the land and what each brings to the table.  

Big City vs. Small City 

Charleston has the largest population in South Carolina, with 155,369 residents and a growth rate of 3.3%. Though only the fourth largest city in Texas, Austin is significantly larger than Charleston with a population of 979,882 and a growth rate of 1.9%. 

Both cities are great at what they do. Readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named Charleston the country’s best small city three years in a row, while Time Out readers consider Austin the fifth best nightlife city in the world. 

Job Market & Industries 

Both Charleston and Austin have a strong job market and relatively low unemployment rate. Charleston’s unemployment rate is 4.1%, while Austin’s is a tad lower at 3.5%, both slightly better than the national unemployment rate of 4.2% as of late 2024. 

Charleston Jobs 

Charleston’s tourism industry is thriving. Over seven million tourists flock to the area each year, particularly in the summer, opening up thousands of jobs, particularly in hospitality, restaurants, and museums. With two major shipping terminals, Charleston also offers job opportunities in commercial shipping. 

The city’s affordability and vibrant lifestyle have become a magnet for growing tech companies and new startups. In 2001, Charleston launched the Charleston Digital Corridor, a city-backed initiative to attract and grow technology startups. Since then the city has expanded from 18 tech companies to over 400, earning the city the nickname “Silicon Harbor.” Employers range in size from small operations to large tech companies and include major players such as Google and Boeing. 

Austin Jobs 

Like Charleston, Austin rides on the income the city brings in from tourism with over 30 million annual visitors. Events such as South by Southwest and Austin City Limits are responsible for a large portion of those looking to visit the Lone Star State’s capital city.  

Austin too is a tech capital, being dubbed “Silicon Hills” due to its large number of software, semiconductor, and biotech companies and a growing number of startups. Major players such as Oracle, Facebook, Tesla, Apple, and Amazon have opened up a wide array of career opportunities for those working in tech, manufacturing, or warehousing.  

Cost of Living 

Charleston and Austin are fairly similar when it comes to the cost of living. While in Charleston the median household income is slightly lower at $83,891, the median home price is also slightly lower at $438,900. Austin’s median household income is $86,556, with the median home price at $510,000. Groceries are slightly more expensive in Charleston. 

Activities 

Because Charleston is on the water, residents can easily enjoy activities such as sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Places like Sullivan’s Island and Shem’s Creek are a short drive from the city and favorites among residents. And while Charleston is notoriously flat, residents can travel a short distance outside the city to enjoy hiking and biking, at places like the Caw Caw Interpretive Center and Swamp Fox Passage, part of the Palmetto Trail. 

Charleston is also known for its vibrant restaurant scene as well as an abundance of museums and historical sites, such as Fort Sumter where visitors can learn about Charleston’s role in the American Revolution. 

Within Austin, residents can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. Head to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, one of Texas’top-rated trails, or get a quad workout when you hike River Place Nature Trail, consisting of the three most challenging hikes in Austin. Parks within Austin, such as St. Edwards Park, Zilker Park, and McKinney Falls State Park offer residents the opportunity to hike, swim, canoe, and rock climb.  

Likewise, Austin has plenty of museums. History buffs can enjoy the Bullock State History Museum, where visitors can learn about everything from Texas’ role in the Civil War to Austin City Limits, or the LBJ Library to learn about America’s 36th president. 

Cuisine 

Both Austin and Charleston can be considered food cities — though in very different ways. Each city’s culinary scene is representative of its local history and its inhabitants, with some dishes sure to be unfamiliar to non-natives. 

In Austin, you’ll find mouthwatering Tex-Mex and barbecue eateries across the city serving up irresistible dishes like brisket, tacos, and queso. Famous spots include Sam’s Bar-B-Que, open since 1957, and Cisco’s, which dates back to the 1940s. You’ll also find a thriving food truck scene and some of the best coffee and craft beer in the Southern states. 

Head east to Charleston and you’ll find classic southern seafood and more. The city’s Lowcountry cuisine is rooted in Southern and Gullah traditions, offering popular bites like shrimp and grits (head to Marina Variety Store to get it for under $20), gumbo, and she-crab soup. And yes, that’s exactly what you think it is: a hearty bisque-like soup made from female crabs and their roe. 

Biggest Challenges 

City life can’t be fun and games all the time, and newcomers should be wary of the main disadvantages of living in Austin and Charleston.  

Austinites may be used to it, but the summertime heat can be too much for some people (and their thirsty garden plants): temperatures have hit 112°F (44°C) on two separate occasions since 2000. For those in Charleston, traffic is a major issue, with poor roads and infrastructure making commutes difficult. 

Drumroll Please… 

Turns out, both of these historical southern cities are wonderful in their own right. Charleston is quaint, small, and great for coast lovers, while Austin is big, quirky, and something of a party town. That said, Charleston also knows how to have a good time — after all, it has a famous 1920s dance named after it! — and the Austin area has its share of quiet, natural beauty. 

Lakeside at Tessera 

For those who crave the color and vibrancy of Austin but share Charlestonians’ love of living by the water, you can’t beat Lakeside at Tessera in Lago Vista. Don’t wait to find your dream home and explore all Lakeside at Tessera has to offer! Schedule a tour today.