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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Augusta is 26% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,087/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 25%
$53,134/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 18%
$162,900 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 64%
$1,053/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 25%
201,504
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $9,655/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Augusta or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and North Charleston?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or North Charleston?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $9,655/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 Augusta or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/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 Augusta details → View North Charleston details →

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