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

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Mobile is 27% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,029/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 33%
$51,090/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 23%
$170,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 57%
$1,016/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 29%
185,097
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

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $11,699/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Mobile or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and North Charleston?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or North Charleston?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $11,699/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 Mobile or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/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 Mobile details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and North Charleston

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale 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