Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Charleston is 14% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,632/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 10%
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 29%
$469,100 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 16%
$1,688/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 9%
152,014
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $26,164/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Charleston or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $26,164/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and New Jersey?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

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