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

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

North Charleston is 21% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,364/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 25%
$62,789/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 3%
$267,700 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 26%
$1,312/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 25%
117,460
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $1,810/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is North Charleston or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $1,810/year higher in North Charleston.
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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

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