Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Cincinnati is 24% cheaper than North Charleston.

$953/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 43%
$51,707/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 21%
$215,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 24%
$1,041/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 26%
309,595
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $11,082/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Cincinnati or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and North Charleston?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or North Charleston?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $11,082/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and South Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View North Charleston details →

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