Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Kansas City is 12% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,186/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 15%
$67,449/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 7%
$227,000 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 18%
$1,205/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 9%
508,233
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $4,660/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Kansas City or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and North Charleston?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or North Charleston?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $4,660/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and South Carolina?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View North Charleston details →

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