Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Rochester and North Charleston have a similar cost of living.

$1,316/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 4%
$87,767/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 28%
$287,500 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 7%
$1,332/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 2%
121,638
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,978/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 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

Rochester vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Rochester 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 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and North Charleston?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or North Charleston?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $24,978/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and South Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/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.
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