Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Newark is 22% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,330/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 23%
$48,416/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 86%
$337,800 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 39%
$1,419/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 19%
307,188
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $41,622/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Charleston — common questions

Is Newark or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Charleston?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Charleston?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $41,622/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and South Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Charleston details →

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