Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Portland is 52% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,596/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 15%
$88,792/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 29%
$557,600 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 52%
$1,771/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 26%
642,715
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $26,003/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 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

Portland vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and North Charleston?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or North Charleston?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $26,003/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and South Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View North Charleston details →

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