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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Houston is 3% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,313/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 4%
$62,894/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,789/yr ≈ Same
$253,400 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 6%
$1,316/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ≈ Same
2,300,419
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $105/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Houston or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and North Charleston?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or North Charleston?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $105/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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