Charleston vs Columbia Air Quality Comparison
Which city has cleaner air right now, from the latest EPA AirNow AQI
As of September 23, 2026, Columbia, SC has cleaner air than Charleston, SC — AQI 21 (Good) vs 41 (Good), a gap of 20 AQI points in the latest EPA AirNow observations. Lower AQI means cleaner air. Charleston's reading is driven by PM2.5 and Columbia's by PM2.5.
Charleston, SC
Good
Columbia, SC
Good
Summary
Columbia has 20 points better air quality
Columbia has an AQI of 21 compared to 41
Our Pick
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Even with good outdoor air in Charleston, indoor PM2.5, dust and allergens build up. A True-HEPA purifier keeps a bedroom or office consistently clean.
Budget Pick4.7(74,000+ ratings)
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
Best value True-HEPA for everyday allergens, dust and dander
Compare top-rated True-HEPA purifiers:
Budget Pick
Levoit Core 400S
True HEPA
True HEPA · CADR ~141 CFM · rooms up to 219 sq ft
~$1004.7
Check Price on Amazon →Editor's Pick
Levoit Vital 200S
True HEPA
True HEPA · washable pre-filter · rooms up to 1,875 sq ft
~$2004.6
Check Price on Amazon →Large Room
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty
HEPA + Carbon
True HEPA + carbon · CADR ~246 CFM · rooms up to 361 sq ft
~$2304.6
Check Price on Amazon →Prices are approximate and subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
5-Day Forecast Comparison
| Day | Charleston | Columbia | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Today | AQI 32 | AQI 37 | Charleston |
| Wed, Sep 23 | AQI 23 | AQI 23 | Tie |