Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Little Rock is 19% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,067/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 28%
$60,583/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 4%
$221,200 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 21%
$1,099/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 19%
202,739
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $2,206/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Little Rock or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and North Charleston?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or North Charleston?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $2,206/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and South Carolina?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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