Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Boise is 23% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,359/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ≈ Same
$81,308/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 23%
$456,000 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 41%
$1,337/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 2%
235,701
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,519/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Boise 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 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and North Charleston?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or North Charleston?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $18,519/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and South Carolina?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and North Charleston

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise 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