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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Columbus is 9% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,224/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 11%
$65,327/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 4%
$234,500 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 14%
$1,243/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 6%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $2,538/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Columbus or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and North Charleston?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or North Charleston?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $2,538/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View North Charleston details →

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