Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Arlington is 4% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,389/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 2%
$73,519/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 15%
$276,400 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 3%
$1,420/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 8%
394,769
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,730/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Arlington 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 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and North Charleston?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or North Charleston?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $10,730/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View North Charleston details →

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