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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Chicago is 10% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,380/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 1%
$75,134/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 16%
$315,200 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 15%
$1,502/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 13%
2,707,648
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,345/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and North Charleston?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or North Charleston?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $12,345/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and South Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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