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

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Montgomery is 30% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,059/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 29%
$55,687/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 13%
$148,500 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 80%
$1,023/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 28%
198,440
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $7,102/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Montgomery or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and North Charleston?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or North Charleston?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $7,102/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 Montgomery or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Montgomery and North Charleston

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