Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Alexandria is 90% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,031/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 33%
$113,638/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 45%
$696,800 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 62%
$2,173/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 40%
156,788
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $667/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $8,004/year.

Median household income is $50,849/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Alexandria or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and North Charleston?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $667/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or North Charleston?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $50,849/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and North Charleston

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands