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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Atlanta is 5% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,617/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ≈ Same
$81,938/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 10%
$420,600 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 12%
$1,695/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ≈ Same
499,287
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,100/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Charleston — common questions

Is Atlanta or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Charleston?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Charleston?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $8,100/year higher in 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 Atlanta or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Charleston details →

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