Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Durham is 18% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,412/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 16%
$79,234/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 14%
$355,300 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 32%
$1,434/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 18%
288,465
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $10,804/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Charleston — common questions

Is Durham or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Charleston?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Charleston?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $10,804/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View Charleston details →

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