Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Garland is 5% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,525/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 11%
$74,717/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 16%
$248,900 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 8%
$1,445/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 9%
245,298
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $11,928/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Garland 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 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and North Charleston?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or North Charleston?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $11,928/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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