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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Rochester is 33% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,039/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 31%
$46,628/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 35%
$120,600 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 122%
$1,009/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 30%
209,720
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $16,161/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 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

Rochester vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Rochester or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and North Charleston?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or North Charleston?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $16,161/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between New York and South Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View North Charleston details →

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