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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Charlotte is 16% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,504/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 9%
$78,438/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 15%
$351,500 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 33%
$1,487/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 14%
886,283
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Charlotte, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $11,600/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Charleston — common questions

Is Charlotte or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charlotte is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Charleston?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Charleston?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $11,600/year higher in Charleston.
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 Charlotte or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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