Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Arvada is 67% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,802/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 24%
$113,396/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 45%
$600,800 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 55%
$1,948/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 33%
122,835
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $50,607/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Arvada 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 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and North Charleston?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or North Charleston?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $50,607/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and South Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands