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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Raleigh is 21% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,468/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 7%
$82,424/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 24%
$377,800 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 29%
$1,487/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 12%
470,763
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $19,635/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and North Charleston?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or North Charleston?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $19,635/year higher in Raleigh.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View North Charleston details →

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