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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Charleston is 75% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,632/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 38%
$90,038/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 46%
$469,100 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 50%
$1,688/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 39%
152,014
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $41,502/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Charleston or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $41,502/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Alabama?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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