Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Tampa is 24% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,567/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 13%
$71,302/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 12%
$375,300 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 29%
$1,553/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 16%
393,389
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $8,513/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Tampa 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 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and North Charleston?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or North Charleston?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $8,513/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and South Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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