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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Milwaukee is 26% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,033/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 32%
$51,888/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 21%
$172,000 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 56%
$1,082/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 21%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $10,901/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 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

Milwaukee vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Milwaukee or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and North Charleston?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or North Charleston?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $10,901/year higher in North Charleston.
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 Milwaukee or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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.
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More Comparisons

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