Cost of Living: North Charleston, SC vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

North Charleston is 33% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,364/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 42%
$62,789/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 119%
$267,700 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 52%
$1,312/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 50%
117,460
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $575/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $6,900/year.

Median household income is $74,722/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is North Charleston or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Sugar Land?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $575/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $74,722/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Texas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for North Charleston and Sugar Land

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 Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks