Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Philadelphia is 7% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,323/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 3%
$60,698/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 3%
$232,400 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 15%
$1,233/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 6%
1,582,432
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,091/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Philadelphia or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and North Charleston?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or North Charleston?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $2,091/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and South Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View North Charleston details →

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