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

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Birmingham is 32% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,047/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 30%
$44,376/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 41%
$138,600 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 93%
$991/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 32%
199,322
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $18,413/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Birmingham or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and North Charleston?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or North Charleston?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $18,413/year higher in North 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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands