Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Raleigh is 14% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,468/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 11%
$82,424/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 9%
$377,800 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 24%
$1,487/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 14%
470,763
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $7,614/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Charleston — common questions

Is Raleigh or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Charleston?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Charleston?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $7,614/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Charleston details →

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