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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Chesapeake is 23% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,523/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 10%
$94,189/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 33%
$359,100 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 25%
$1,680/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 22%
251,153
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $31,400/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Chesapeake slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Chesapeake 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 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and North Charleston?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or North Charleston?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $31,400/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Chesapeake or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/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 Chesapeake details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and North Charleston

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland 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