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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Jersey City is 63% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,902/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 28%
$94,813/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 34%
$534,500 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 50%
$2,006/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 35%
289,691
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $32,024/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 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

Jersey City vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and North Charleston?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or North Charleston?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $32,024/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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