Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Madison is 13% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,364/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ≈ Same
$76,983/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 18%
$346,900 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 23%
$1,476/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 11%
275,568
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,194/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 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

Madison vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Madison 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 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and North Charleston?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $0/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or North Charleston?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $14,194/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and South Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View North Charleston details →

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