Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Hampton is 3% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,346/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 1%
$67,758/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 7%
$234,100 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 14%
$1,347/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 3%
137,334
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,969/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Hampton or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and North Charleston?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or North Charleston?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $4,969/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Hampton or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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 Hampton details → View North Charleston details →

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