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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Huntsville is 14% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,078/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 27%
$70,778/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 11%
$263,100 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 2%
$1,046/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 25%
218,814
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

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $7,989/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Huntsville or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and North Charleston?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or North Charleston?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $7,989/year higher in Huntsville.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and North Charleston

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana 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