North Charleston, SC, US
Charleston's industrial hub with the Charleston International Airport and Riverfront Park.
Overview
North Charleston is a city in SC with a population of 115,000. Charleston’s industrial hub with the Charleston International Airport and Riverfront Park. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.3.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
North Charleston vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3.0%
- Sales Tax: 7.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,000
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 115,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 215/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 38°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $280,000
- 1BR Rent: $1200/mo
Cost of Living
North Charleston's cost of living index is 95 (US average = 100).
| Category | North Charleston | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $280,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1200/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $186 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in North Charleston:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $98 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $44 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $10 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $292 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
North Charleston scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
North Charleston has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 38°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 53°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 56°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
North Charleston faces the following natural hazards:
Coastal city affected by hurricanes.
Coastal flooding.
Summer heat waves.
Tornado risk.
Charleston area with historical earthquake risk.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 3%
- Sales Tax: 7%
- Property Tax: ~0.57% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of North Charleston is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC, US?
The cost of living index in North Charleston is 95, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in North Charleston?
The median home price in North Charleston is $280,000. The housing index is 100.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in North Charleston is approximately $1200/mo.
Does North Charleston, SC have income tax?
North Charleston is in SC, which has an income tax rate of 3%.
What is the climate like in North Charleston?
North Charleston enjoys approximately 215 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.