Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Salem is 15% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,323/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 3%
$71,900/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 13%
$382,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 30%
$1,440/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 9%
176,666
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,111/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 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

Salem vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Salem 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and North Charleston?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or North Charleston?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $9,111/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and South Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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