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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Huntsville is 39% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,078/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 51%
$70,778/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 27%
$263,100 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 78%
$1,046/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 61%
218,814
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

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $554/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,648/year.

Median household income is $19,260/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Charleston — common questions

Is Huntsville or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Charleston?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $554/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Charleston?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $19,260/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 Huntsville or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Charleston details →

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