Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Jersey City is 16% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,902/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 14%
$94,813/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 5%
$534,500 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 12%
$2,006/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 16%
289,691
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $4,775/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Charleston — common questions

Is Jersey City or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Charleston?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Charleston?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $4,775/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Jersey City or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Charleston details →

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