Cost of Living: North Charleston, SC vs Brandon, FL (2026)

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

North Charleston is 16% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,364/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 24%
$62,789/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 23%
$267,700 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$293,800 ↑ 10%
$1,312/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 18%
117,460
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $14,279/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Brandon — common questions

Is North Charleston or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Brandon?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Brandon?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $14,279/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Brandon details →

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