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

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

North Charleston is 49% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,364/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 31%
$62,789/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 4%
$267,700 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 42%
$1,312/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 26%
117,460
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $2,748/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Springfield — common questions

Is North Charleston or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Springfield?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Springfield?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $2,748/year higher in Springfield.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for North Charleston and Springfield

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 Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces