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

Dayton

Ohio
50
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Dayton is 45% cheaper than North Charleston.

$866/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 58%
$43,454/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 44%
$93,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 187%
$833/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 58%
136,741
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dayton, OH and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 50 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $19,335/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dayton is $93,200 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dayton vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Dayton or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dayton and North Charleston?
Median rent in Dayton is $866/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Dayton or North Charleston?
Median household income is $43,454 in Dayton and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $19,335/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 Dayton or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Dayton has a cost index of 50 with median rent of $866/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 Dayton details → View North Charleston details →

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Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville 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