Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Louisville is 19% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,069/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 28%
$64,731/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 3%
$221,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 21%
$1,118/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 17%
627,210
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $1,942/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Louisville or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and North Charleston?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or North Charleston?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $1,942/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and South Carolina?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View North Charleston details →

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