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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Augusta is 48% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,087/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 50%
$53,134/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 69%
$162,900 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 188%
$1,053/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 60%
201,504
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $545/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $6,540/year.

Median household income is $36,904/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Charleston — common questions

Is Augusta or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Charleston?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $545/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Charleston?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $36,904/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 Augusta or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/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 Augusta details → View Charleston details →

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