Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Ann Arbor is 33% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,552/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 12%
$81,089/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 23%
$435,100 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 38%
$1,638/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 20%
121,179
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $18,300/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and North Charleston?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or North Charleston?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $18,300/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and South Carolina?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View North Charleston details →

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