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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Durham is 15% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,412/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 3%
$79,234/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 21%
$355,300 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 25%
$1,434/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 9%
288,465
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,445/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Durham or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and North Charleston?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or North Charleston?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $16,445/year higher in Durham.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View North Charleston details →

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