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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Pittsburgh is 16% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,221/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 12%
$64,137/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 2%
$193,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 39%
$1,136/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 15%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $1,348/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and North Charleston?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or North Charleston?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $1,348/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View North Charleston details →

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