Cost of Living: Hartford, CT vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Hartford

Connecticut
81
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Hartford is 11% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,221/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 12%
$45,300/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 39%
$217,200 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 23%
$1,279/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 3%
119,970
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

32.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hartford, CT and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $17,489/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hartford is $217,200 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

Hartford vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Hartford or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hartford and North Charleston?
Median rent in Hartford is $1,221/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Hartford or North Charleston?
Median household income is $45,300 in Hartford and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $17,489/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and South Carolina?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Hartford or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Hartford has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,221/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 Hartford details → View North Charleston details →

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