See your real net paycheck in North Charleston for 2026. Break down federal tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, then view weekly, biweekly, and monthly take-home pay.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
North Charleston median household income: $60,000 · Avg 1BR rent: $1,500/mo
South Carolina levies a state income tax (3% to 6.4%) that comes out of every North Charleston paycheck on top of federal tax and FICA. South Carolina exempts the first $3,460 of income from tax. The state is reducing its top rate from 6.4% toward a flat rate over the coming years. SC is very favorable for retirees, exempting most retirement income.
| Gross Salary | Annual Take-Home | Monthly Take-Home | Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,272 | $2,773 | 16.8% |
| $60,000 | $48,062 | $4,005 | 19.9% |
| $80,000 | $61,199 | $5,100 | 23.5% |
| $120,000 | $86,746 | $7,229 | 27.7% |
| $160,000 | $111,526 | $9,294 | 30.3% |
Single filer, standard deduction, no pre-tax deductions. Estimates only.
North Charleston is the third-largest city in South Carolina and the industrial engine of the Charleston metro, home to the Boeing 787 final assembly plant, the Joint Base Charleston military installation, port terminals, and major retail and manufacturing employers.
| Local Metric | North Charleston (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 120,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Charleston County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 97 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $20.50/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $41.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,500/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,850/month |
| Median home price | $360,000 |
| Median household income | $60,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 9% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.55% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
On a $60,000 salary (single, standard deduction) in North Charleston, estimated take-home pay is roughly $48,062/year. With median household income near $60,000 and average 1-bedroom rent of $1,500/month, housing alone can take a large share of net pay.
Federal income tax and FICA (Social Security 6.2% up to $176,100, Medicare 1.45%) apply to every worker. South Carolina state income tax (3% to 6.4%) also applies in North Charleston.
North Charleston does not impose a city income tax. Your paycheck reflects federal tax, South Carolina state tax, and FICA.
For the 2025 tax year filed in 2026, the federal standard deduction is $15,000 (single) and $30,000 (married filing jointly). This calculator applies it before computing federal and state income tax.
Contribute more to a pre-tax 401(k) or 403(b), use an HSA or FSA, and claim eligible deductions. These reduce federal and South Carolina state income tax, though most do not reduce Social Security or Medicare.