Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Birmingham is 52% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,047/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 56%
$44,376/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 103%
$138,600 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 238%
$991/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 70%
199,322
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $45,662/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Charleston — common questions

Is Birmingham or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Charleston?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Charleston?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $45,662/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and South Carolina?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Charleston details →

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