Cost of Living: North Charleston, SC vs High Point, NC (2026)

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

North Charleston is 25% more expensive than High Point.

$1,364/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 22%
$62,789/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 2%
$267,700 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 21%
$1,312/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 17%
117,460
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $1,561/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs High Point — common questions

Is North Charleston or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and High Point?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or High Point?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $1,561/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and North Carolina?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for North Charleston and High Point

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 High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles