Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina

100

North Charleston

South Carolina

Wilmington is 9% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,311/mo ↓ 4%

Median Rent

$1,364/mo ↑ 4%

$63,900/yr ↑ 2%

Median Income

$62,789/yr ↓ 2%

$350,300 ↑ 31%

Home Value

$267,700 ↓ 24%

$1,371/mo ↑ 4%

Owner Costs

$1,312/mo ↓ 4%

118,578

Population

117,460

Tax Comparison

4.5%

Income Tax

6.4%

4.75%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.8%

Property Tax

0.57%

Affordability

24.6%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $1,111/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Wilmington 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 100 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Wilmington and North Charleston?

Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $53/month.

Which city has higher income, Wilmington or North Charleston?

Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $1,111/year higher in Wilmington.

How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?

North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.

Should I move to Wilmington or North Charleston?

It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/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.