Cost of Living: North Charleston, SC vs Elgin, IL (2026)

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

North Charleston and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,364/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 8%
$62,789/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 41%
$267,700 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 6%
$1,312/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 14%
117,460
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $25,527/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Elgin — common questions

Is North Charleston or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Elgin?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Elgin?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $25,527/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Illinois?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for North Charleston and Elgin

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 Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont