Cost of Living: North Charleston, SC vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

North Charleston is 20% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,364/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 13%
$62,789/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 18%
$267,700 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 31%
$1,312/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 3%
117,460
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $11,147/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Waterbury — common questions

Is North Charleston or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Waterbury?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Waterbury?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $11,147/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Connecticut?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Waterbury details →

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