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

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Chattanooga is 11% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,155/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 18%
$61,028/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 3%
$259,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 3%
$1,112/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 18%
182,832
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chattanooga, TN and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $1,761/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chattanooga is $259,200 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chattanooga vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Chattanooga or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chattanooga and North Charleston?
Median rent in Chattanooga is $1,155/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Chattanooga or North Charleston?
Median household income is $61,028 in Chattanooga and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $1,761/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and South Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chattanooga or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,155/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 Chattanooga details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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