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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Charleston is 28% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,632/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 20%
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 29%
$469,100 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 25%
$1,688/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 19%
152,014
Population
118,578

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $26,138/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Charleston or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Wilmington?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Wilmington?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $26,138/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 Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Wilmington details →

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