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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Charleston is 41% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,632/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 16%
$90,038/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 30%
$469,100 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 43%
$1,688/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 22%
152,014
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $27,249/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Charleston 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 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and North Charleston?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or North Charleston?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $27,249/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and South Carolina?
Both cities are in South Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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 Charleston details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and North Charleston

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands