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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Cleveland is 44% cheaper than North Charleston.

$894/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 53%
$39,187/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 60%
$94,100 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 184%
$866/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 52%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $23,602/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Cleveland or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and North Charleston?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or North Charleston?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $23,602/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 Cleveland or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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.
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