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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Newark is 10% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,330/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 3%
$48,416/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 30%
$337,800 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 21%
$1,419/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 8%
307,188
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,373/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 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

Newark vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and North Charleston?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or North Charleston?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $14,373/year higher in North 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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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