Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

St. Paul and North Charleston have a similar cost of living.

$1,248/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 9%
$73,055/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 14%
$280,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 4%
$1,390/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 6%
307,762
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $10,266/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 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

St. Paul vs North Charleston — common questions

Is St. Paul 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 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and North Charleston?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or North Charleston?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $10,266/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and South Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and North Charleston

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands