North Carolina vs South Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$76,609
in North Carolina
$80,906
in South Carolina
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | North Carolina | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.0 | 80.6 | +17% |
| Groceries | 99.0 | 99.0 | 0% |
| Utilities | 94.7 | 96.9 | -2% |
| Transportation | 92.2 | 96.4 | -4% |
| Healthcare | 110.2 | 94.2 | +17% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.4 | 98.2 | +3% |
| Overall | 97.9 | 92.7 | +6% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in North Carolina.
What things actually cost
| Item | North Carolina | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $325,000 | $285,000 | +$40,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,316/mo | $1,128/mo | +$188 |
| Gas price | $3.29/gal | $3.21/gal | +$0.08 |
| Electric bill | $103/mo | $97/mo | +$7 |
| Infant childcare | $11,720/yr | $11,512/yr | +$208 |
Salary equivalent: North Carolina → South Carolina
What a North Carolina salary buys you in South Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in North Carolina | Equivalent in South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,344 | +$2,656 |
| $75,000 | $71,016 | +$3,984 |
| $100,000 | $94,688 | +$5,312 |
| $150,000 | $142,033 | +$7,967 |
| $200,000 | $189,377 | +$10,623 |
Positive = your money goes further in South Carolina. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
North Carolina is 6% more expensive than South Carolina overall. North Carolina has an index of 97.9 vs 92.7 for South Carolina (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or South Carolina?
South Carolina is cheaper to live in. North Carolina is 6% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $325,000 in North Carolina vs $285,000 in South Carolina.
Is South Carolina cheaper than North Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina is 6% cheaper than North Carolina overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is North Carolina more expensive than South Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina is 6% more expensive than South Carolina based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in South Carolina equals $100,000 in North Carolina?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in North Carolina, you would need approximately $94,688 in South Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (97.9 vs 92.7).
How do housing costs compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Carolina. Median home prices are $325,000 in North Carolina vs $285,000 in South Carolina — a $40,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,316/mo vs $1,128/mo.
What costs more in North Carolina vs South Carolina?
Healthcare is 17% higher in North Carolina (index 110.2 vs 94.2). Housing is 17% higher in North Carolina (index 94 vs 80.6). Transportation is 4% lower in North Carolina (index 92.2 vs 96.4).
Is gas cheaper in North Carolina or South Carolina?
Gas averages $3.29/gallon in North Carolina and $3.21/gallon in South Carolina — a $0.08 difference per gallon.
North Carolina vs South Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
North Carolina has an overall cost-of-living index of 97.9 and South Carolina has 92.7 (national average = 100). North Carolina is 6% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the North Carolina vs South Carolina paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in North Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.