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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Plano is 45% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,792/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 24%
$108,649/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 42%
$440,600 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 39%
$1,829/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 28%
287,339
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $45,860/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Plano 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and North Charleston?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or North Charleston?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $45,860/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and North Charleston

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison 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