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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Charleston is 75% more expensive than High Point.

$1,632/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 35%
$90,038/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 32%
$469,100 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 55%
$1,688/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 36%
152,014
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $28,810/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs High Point — common questions

Is Charleston or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and High Point?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or High Point?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $28,810/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and North Carolina?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View High Point details →

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