Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Seattle is 115% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,998/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 32%
$121,984/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 49%
$912,100 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 71%
$2,220/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 41%
741,440
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $59,195/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and North Charleston?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or North Charleston?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $59,195/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and South Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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