Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Athens is 9% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,162/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 17%
$51,655/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 22%
$271,800 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 2%
$1,163/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 13%
126,987
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $11,134/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Athens or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and North Charleston?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or North Charleston?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $11,134/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and South Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and North Charleston

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley 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