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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Charleston is 54% more expensive than Athens.

$1,632/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 29%
$90,038/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 43%
$469,100 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 42%
$1,688/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 31%
152,014
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $38,383/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Athens — common questions

Is Charleston or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Athens?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Athens?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $38,383/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Georgia?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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