Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Springfield is 13% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,114/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 22%
$51,339/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 22%
$222,700 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 20%
$1,276/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 3%
154,751
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $11,450/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 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

Springfield vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Springfield or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and North Charleston?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or North Charleston?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $11,450/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and South Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View North Charleston details →

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