Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,349 in North Carolina versus $1,430 in South Carolina. Overall, North Carolina runs roughly 6% cheaper on rent than South Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,431 in North Carolina and $90,038 in South Carolina — about 11% higher in South Carolina. North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax; South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
North Carolina vs South Carolina — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or South Carolina?
- North Carolina is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,349 runs about 6% below South Carolina's $1,430, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Carolina than in South Carolina?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $54,000 a year in North Carolina versus $57,000 in South Carolina.
- Which has lower taxes, North Carolina or South Carolina?
- North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax. South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.00% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 2/1 cities we track in North Carolina/South Carolina — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.