Cost of Living: North Charleston, SC vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

North Charleston is 34% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,364/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 31%
$62,789/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 12%
$267,700 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 19%
$1,312/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 26%
117,460
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $7,613/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Las Cruces slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is North Charleston or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Las Cruces?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $7,613/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and New Mexico?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for North Charleston and Las Cruces

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 Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria