Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Kent is 59% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,833/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 26%
$90,416/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 31%
$537,500 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 50%
$1,915/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 31%
135,015
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $27,627/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Kent 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 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and North Charleston?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or North Charleston?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $27,627/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and South Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and North Charleston

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands