Salary & Cost of Living in North Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC: $52,000 median salary, cost of living index 95, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$52,000
$25/hr
Cost of Living
95
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.2%
rate
North Charleston, SC Overview
Population
115,382
Median Salary
$52,000
Average Salary
$58,000
Avg Commute
24 min
Median Home Price
$280,000
Median Rent
$1,250/mo
Job Growth
+2.5%
Sales Tax
9%
North Charleston is located in South Carolina with a population of 115,382. The median household salary is $52,000 per year ($25/hour), which is $7,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.5%.
North Charleston Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in North Charleston, SC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$40,597
$3,383.04/month · $1,561.40/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.9%
Gross Pay
$52,000
Federal Tax
-$4,202
State Tax
-$3,224
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,978
Net Pay
$40,597
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$350.13 | -$4,201.50 |
| South Carolina State Tax (6.2%) | -$268.67 | -$3,224.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$268.67 | -$3,224.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$62.83 | -$754.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,383.04 | $40,596.50 |
Salary Comparison: North Charleston vs Other Cities
See how North Charleston's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Charleston, SC | $52,000 | 95 | $54,737 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Auburn, AL | $52,000 | 90 | $57,778 |
| Bakersfield, CA | $52,000 | 96 | $54,167 |
| Fontana, CA | $52,000 | 102 | $50,980 |
| Oxnard, CA | $52,000 | 118 | $44,068 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in North Charleston
North Charleston's cost of living index is 95 (national average = 100). Living in North Charleston is 5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$280,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,250
Annual Rent Cost
$15,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $40,597 annual take-home pay in North Charleston has the purchasing power of approximately $42,733 in an average-cost US area. Your $52,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in North Charleston
North Charleston's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $52,000.
Salary Tips for North Charleston Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 6.2% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. North Charleston's top industries include Aerospace, Manufacturing, Logistics. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $52,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in North Charleston, SC?
The median salary in North Charleston, SC is $52,000 per year, or $25 per hour. The average salary is $58,000. This is $7,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC?
North Charleston's cost of living index is 95 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $280,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,250.
What are the best industries in North Charleston?
The top industries in North Charleston, SC include Aerospace, Manufacturing, Logistics. The city has a job growth rate of 2.5% and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $52,000.
How does North Charleston's salary compare to other cities?
North Charleston's median salary of $52,000 is 12.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 95), the real purchasing power is approximately $54,737.
What is the minimum wage in North Charleston, SC?
The minimum wage in North Charleston, SC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.