Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Providence is 9% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,333/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 2%
$66,772/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 6%
$322,800 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 17%
$1,467/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 11%
190,214
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,983/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Providence 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 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and North Charleston?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or North Charleston?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $3,983/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and South Carolina?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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