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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Worcester is 14% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,415/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 4%
$67,544/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 7%
$339,500 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 21%
$1,521/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 14%
205,501
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $4,755/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 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

Worcester vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Worcester 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and North Charleston?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or North Charleston?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $4,755/year higher in Worcester.
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 Worcester or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock 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