Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Boston is 93% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,093/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 35%
$94,755/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 34%
$710,400 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 62%
$2,176/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 40%
663,972
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $31,966/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making North Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and North Charleston?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or North Charleston?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $31,966/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and South Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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