North Charleston, SC Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for North Charleston, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

115,755
Population
$58,534
Median household income
-19% vs tracked median
$243,300
Median home value
-26% vs tracked median
$1,288/mo
Median rent
-8% vs tracked median

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

North Charleston, South Carolina is home to roughly 115,755 residents. The typical household earns $58,534 per year — below the median across cities we track (-19%).

Housing costs are a defining factor for anyone relocating here. The median home value sits at $243,300 (below the multi-city median at -26%), while renters pay a median of $1,288 per month. Buyers should weigh current mortgage rates and local property taxes against these figures before committing.

Cost of housing in North Charleston

Median home value is $243,300 and median gross rent is $1,288/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

Walkability & transit

Walkability data (Walk Score) will appear here once enrichment is run for North Charleston.

Climate & home insurance

Climate and flood-risk data (FEMA National Risk Index) will appear here once enrichment is run. Home insurance costs vary widely by region and risk profile.

Moving to North Charleston

Planning a move to North Charleston? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC?
In North Charleston, the median home value is $243,300 and median rent is $1,288 per month, against a median household income of $58,534. These figures come from the US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022).
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in North Charleston?
A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,288/month, that implies an income of about $51,520 to keep housing affordable in North Charleston.
Is it better to rent or buy in North Charleston?
With a median home value of $243,300 and median rent of $1,288/month, the buy-vs-rent decision in North Charleston depends on how long you plan to stay, current mortgage rates, and your down payment. Compare monthly mortgage estimates against the rent figure above.

Compare North Charleston to similar cities