Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Baltimore is 8% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,290/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 6%
$59,623/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 5%
$219,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 22%
$1,333/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 2%
577,193
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $3,166/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Baltimore or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and North Charleston?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or North Charleston?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $3,166/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and South Carolina?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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.
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