Cost of Living: North Charleston, SC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

North Charleston is 24% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,364/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 18%
$62,789/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 21%
$267,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 48%
$1,312/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 27%
117,460
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $13,416/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making North Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Lowell — common questions

Is North Charleston or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Lowell?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Lowell?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $13,416/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Massachusetts?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Lowell details →

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