Cost of Living: Paterson, NJ vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Paterson

New Jersey
106
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Paterson is 16% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,457/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 6%
$53,766/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 17%
$335,400 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 20%
$1,553/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 16%
157,660
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

32.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Paterson, NJ and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $9,023/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Paterson is $335,400 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Paterson vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Paterson or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Paterson and North Charleston?
Median rent in Paterson is $1,457/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Paterson or North Charleston?
Median household income is $53,766 in Paterson and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $9,023/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and South Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Paterson or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Paterson has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,457/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Paterson details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Paterson and North Charleston

Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon 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