Brookdale, SC vs James Island, SC

The cost of living difference between Brookdale, SC and James Island, SC is dramatic. Brookdale is 47.4% cheaper than James Island, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookdale has a cost index of 61 while James Island sits at 116, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookdale is $711/month compared to $1,443/month in James Island — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brookdale is more affordable at $85,400 median vs $454,200.

Median household income in Brookdale is $34,279 compared to $100,176 in James Island (-65.8%). While James Island is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookdale spend roughly 24.9% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in James Island.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65°F vs 67.2°F). James Island receives more rainfall at 44.3" per year compared to 43.7" in Brookdale.