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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Atlanta is 34% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,617/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 16%
$81,938/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 23%
$420,600 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 36%
$1,695/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 23%
499,287
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $19,149/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Atlanta 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and North Charleston?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or North Charleston?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $19,149/year higher in Atlanta.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View North Charleston details →

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