Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Abilene is 20% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,106/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 23%
$62,720/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,789/yr ≈ Same
$178,900 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 50%
$1,114/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 18%
127,130
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $69/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Abilene or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and North Charleston?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or North Charleston?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $69/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View North Charleston details →