Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Salt Lake City is 29% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,343/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 2%
$74,925/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 16%
$495,700 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 46%
$1,394/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 6%
203,888
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,136/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and North Charleston?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or North Charleston?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $12,136/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and South Carolina?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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