Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Meridian is 44% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,714/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 20%
$98,686/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 36%
$485,000 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 45%
$1,607/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 18%
124,865
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $35,897/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Meridian 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 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and North Charleston?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or North Charleston?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $35,897/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and South Carolina?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/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 Meridian details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and North Charleston

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord 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