Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

North Charleston

South Carolina

Albuquerque is 11% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,085/mo ↓ 20%

Median Rent

$1,364/mo ↑ 26%

$65,604/yr ↑ 4%

Median Income

$62,789/yr ↓ 4%

$266,700 ≈ Same

Home Value

$267,700 ≈ Same

$1,149/mo ↓ 12%

Owner Costs

$1,312/mo ↑ 14%

562,488

Population

117,460

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

6.4%

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.57%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $2,815/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Albuquerque or North Charleston cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 91 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and North Charleston?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $279/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or North Charleston?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $2,815/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and South Carolina?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or North Charleston?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/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.