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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Montgomery is 50% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,059/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 54%
$55,687/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 62%
$148,500 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 216%
$1,023/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 65%
198,440
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $34,351/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Charleston — common questions

Is Montgomery or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Charleston?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Charleston?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $34,351/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 Montgomery or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Charleston details →

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