Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

New Haven is 4% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,442/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 5%
$53,771/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 17%
$249,000 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 8%
$1,520/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 14%
132,893
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $9,018/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 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

New Haven vs North Charleston — common questions

Is New Haven 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 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and North Charleston?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or North Charleston?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $9,018/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and South Carolina?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and North Charleston

New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo 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