Cost of Living: North Charleston, SC vs Allen, TX (2026)

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Allen

Texas
137

North Charleston is 34% cheaper than Allen.

$1,364/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 38%
$62,789/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 106%
$267,700 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 61%
$1,312/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 59%
117,460
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $513/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $6,156/year.

Median household income is $66,341/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Allen — common questions

Is North Charleston or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Allen?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $513/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Allen?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $66,341/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Texas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Allen details →

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