Is Charleston, SC cheaper than Cary, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Charleston, SC is 2.0% more expensive than Cary, NC. This translates to spending an extra $147 per month.

What salary do I need in Charleston, SC to live like I do in Cary, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Cary, NC, you'd need approximately $151,767.994 in Charleston, SC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cary, NC and Charleston, SC?

Housing in Charleston, SC is 6.9% more expensive than in Cary, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,100/month in Charleston, SC compared to $1,473/month in Cary, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Cary, NC to Charleston, SC?

Living in Charleston, SC costs approximately $147 more per month than Cary, NC, or $1768 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cary, NC vs Charleston, SC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Cary, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $147/month more in Charleston, SC

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.8K in Charleston, SC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$147

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$514K

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$490K

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 180K residents.

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cary, NC vs Charleston, SC

Category	Cary, NC	Charleston, SC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,175/mo	$2,325/mo	↑ $150more	6.9%
Groceries	$949/mo	$984/mo	↑ $34.98more	3.7%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$617/mo	↑ $21.91more	3.7%
Other	$1,672/mo	$1,691/mo	↑ $19.76more	1.2%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$533/mo	↓ $8.11less	1.5%
Transportation	$1,257/mo	$1,265/mo	↑ $8.09more	0.6%

Housing

↑ 6.9%

Cary, NC

$2,175

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Difference

$150

Groceries

↑ 3.7%

Cary, NC

$949

Charleston, SC

$984

Difference

$34.98

Healthcare

↑ 3.7%

Cary, NC

$595

Charleston, SC

$617

Difference

$21.91

Other

↑ 1.2%

Cary, NC

$1,672

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Difference

$19.76

All Utilities

↓ 1.5%

Cary, NC

$541

Charleston, SC

$533

Difference

$8.11

less

Transportation

↑ 0.6%

Cary, NC

$1,257

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Difference

$8.09

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,281

To$1,831

↑ $550

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,915

↑ $571

2 Bed

From$1,473

To$2,100

↑ $627

3 Bed

From$1,847

To$2,610

↑ $763

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$226

Difference

Home Values

Cary

Charleston

$514K

Median Value

$490K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.7%

$481K - $548K

Price Range

$295K - $1.47M

Homes in Charleston are 5% less expensive than Cary

Calculate payment - Cary Calculate payment - Charleston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$236

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Cary, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Charleston, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

Additional Tax Information

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.