Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than North Charleston, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 8.1% cheaper than North Charleston, SC. This translates to saving $604 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in North Charleston, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in North Charleston, SC, you'd need approximately $142,746.76 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between North Charleston, SC and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 16.1% cheaper than in North Charleston, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,778/month in North Charleston, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from North Charleston, SC to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from North Charleston, SC to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $604 per month, or $7253 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

North Charleston, SC vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 North Charleston, SC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in North Charleston, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $604/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.7K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$604

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.3K

Per year

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

North Charleston, SC

Population:121K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$294K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:92

North Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 121K residents.

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: North Charleston, SC vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	North Charleston, SC	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,324/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $375less	16.1%
🏥Healthcare	$616/mo	$527/mo	↓ $89.83less	14.6%
📦Other	$1,691/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $83.87less	5.0%
⚡All Utilities	$532/mo	$607/mo	↑ $74.05more	13.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,265/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $49.07less	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$984/mo	$989/mo	↑ $5.26more	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 16.1%

North Charleston, SC

$2,324

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$375

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.6%

North Charleston, SC

$616

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$89.83

less

📦Other

↓ 5.0%

North Charleston, SC

$1,691

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$83.87

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.9%

North Charleston, SC

$532

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$74.05

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.9%

North Charleston, SC

$1,265

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$49.07

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.5%

North Charleston, SC

$984

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$5.26

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

North Charleston, SC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,547

To$750

↓ $797

1 Bed

From$1,620

To$850

↓ $770

2 Bed

From$1,778

To$1,050

↓ $728

3 Bed

From$2,210

To$1,400

↓ $810

North Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,540–$1,540/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.

$7,413

Monthly in North Charleston, SC

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$519

Difference

Home Values

North Charleston

Pittsburgh

$294K

Median Value

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↑ +47.1%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - North Charleston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$446

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

Rate difference

North 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

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

North Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.