Is Cary, NC cheaper than Charleston, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Cary, NC is 1.9% cheaper than Charleston, SC. This translates to saving $144 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Charleston, SC, you'd need approximately $148,266.068 in Cary, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Cary, NC is 6.4% cheaper than in Charleston, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,473/month in Cary, NC compared to $2,100/month in Charleston, SC.

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

Moving from Charleston, SC to Cary, NC could save you approximately $144 per month, or $1734 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Charleston, SC vs Cary, NC: 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 Charleston, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $144/month moving to Cary, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.3K in Cary, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charleston-North Charleston, SC area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$144

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

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

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$490K

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$514K

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Charleston, SC vs Cary, NC

Category	Charleston, SC	Cary, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,325/mo	$2,175/mo	↓ $150less	6.4%
Groceries	$984/mo	$949/mo	↓ $34.98less	3.6%
Healthcare	$617/mo	$595/mo	↓ $21.91less	3.6%
Other	$1,691/mo	$1,672/mo	↓ $19.76less	1.2%
All Utilities	$533/mo	$541/mo	↑ $8.11more	1.5%
Transportation	$1,265/mo	$1,257/mo	↓ $8.09less	0.6%

Housing

↓ 6.4%

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Cary, NC

$2,175

Difference

$150

less

Groceries

↓ 3.6%

Charleston, SC

$984

Cary, NC

$949

Difference

$34.98

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.6%

Charleston, SC

$617

Cary, NC

$595

Difference

$21.91

less

Other

↓ 1.2%

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Cary, NC

$1,672

Difference

$19.76

less

All Utilities

↑ 1.5%

Charleston, SC

$533

Cary, NC

$541

Difference

$8.11

Transportation

↓ 0.6%

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Cary, NC

$1,257

Difference

$8.09

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,831

To$1,281

↓ $550

1 Bed

From$1,915

To$1,344

↓ $571

2 Bed

From$2,100

To$1,473

↓ $627

3 Bed

From$2,610

To$1,847

↓ $763

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/mo

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$226

Difference

Home Values

Charleston

Cary

$490K

Median Value

$514K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +44%

$295K - $1.47M

Price Range

$481K - $548K

Homes in Cary are 5% more expensive than Charleston

Calculate payment - Charleston Calculate payment - Cary

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$236

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.