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

Cambridge

Massachusetts

239

North Charleston

South Carolina

Cambridge is 148% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,742/mo ↑ 101%

Median Rent

$1,364/mo ↓ 50%

$126,469/yr ↑ 101%

Median Income

$62,789/yr ↓ 50%

$1,040,500 ↑ 289%

Home Value

$267,700 ↓ 74%

$2,634/mo ↑ 101%

Owner Costs

$1,312/mo ↓ 50%

117,794

Population

117,460

Tax Comparison

9.0%

Income Tax

6.4%

6.25%

Sales Tax

6.0%

1.15%

Property Tax

0.57%

Affordability

26.0%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,378/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $16,536/year.

Median household income is $63,680/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 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

Cambridge vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Cambridge 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 239 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Cambridge and North Charleston?

Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $1,378/month.

Which city has higher income, Cambridge or North Charleston?

Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $63,680/year higher in Cambridge.

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 Cambridge or North Charleston?

It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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.