Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Memphis is 25% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,123/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 21%
$51,211/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 23%
$157,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 70%
$1,087/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 21%
629,063
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $11,578/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Memphis or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and North Charleston?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or North Charleston?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $11,578/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and South Carolina?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and North Charleston

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee 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