South Carolina · Population 117,460 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in North Charleston
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
North Charleston offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 91 (where 100 equals the national median), North Charleston residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,364/month while earning a median household income of $62,789/year.
The median home value in North Charleston, SC is $267,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,312 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.1%, North Charleston falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
South Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 6.4%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.57% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in North Charleston.
Common questions about living costs in North Charleston
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in North Charleston, SC with 299 other major U.S. cities