Cost of Living in North Charleston, SC
Population 117,460 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The North Charleston cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $268,000, rents near $1,364 a month.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in North Charleston
The median home value in North Charleston is $267,700 — 12% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,364/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,789/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 76.6°F and lows of 56.4°F. Overall, North Charleston has a cost of living index of 94 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 64 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 91 | 90 | 85 | 78 | 69 | 63 |
| Low °F | 39 | 42 | 47 | 55 | 63 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 68 | 58 | 47 | 42 |
| Precip" | 3.37 | 3.05 | 3.35 | 3.29 | 3.32 | 6.21 | 6.60 | 6.97 | 6.01 | 4.33 | 2.66 | 3.35 |
| Snow" | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC?
North Charleston has a cost index of 94 (100 = national average). It is 6% below the national average.
What is average rent in North Charleston, SC?
The median gross rent in North Charleston is $1,364 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in North Charleston?
The median home value in North Charleston is $267,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in North Charleston?
The median household income in North Charleston is $62,789 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in North Charleston, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Charleston is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is North Charleston, SC affordable?
North Charleston is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 94 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in North Charleston?
North Charleston has average high temperatures of 76.6°F and average lows of 56.4°F. Annual precipitation is 52.5". Average annual snowfall is 0.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
North Charleston at a Glance
- Population
- 117,460
- Median Income
- $62,789
- Home Value
- $267,700
- Median Rent
- $1,364/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
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South Carolina Rankings
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