Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Elizabeth is 23% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,463/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 7%
$63,874/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 2%
$393,500 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 32%
$1,543/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 15%
135,887
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $1,085/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Elizabeth 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 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and North Charleston?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or North Charleston?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $1,085/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and South Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and North Charleston

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland 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