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

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

North Charleston is 25% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,364/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 26%
$62,789/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 23%
$267,700 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 12%
$1,312/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 21%
117,460
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $14,253/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is North Charleston or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $14,253/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Alabama?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for North Charleston and Tuscaloosa

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 Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles