Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Cary is 5% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,621/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ≈ Same
$129,399/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 30%
$525,200 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 11%
$1,744/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 3%
176,686
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $39,361/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Charleston — common questions

Is Cary or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Charleston?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Charleston?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $39,361/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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