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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Cary is 48% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,621/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 16%
$129,399/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 51%
$525,200 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 49%
$1,744/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 25%
176,686
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $66,610/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Cary 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 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and North Charleston?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or North Charleston?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $66,610/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View North Charleston details →

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