Is Charleston, SC cheaper than Alexandria, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Charleston, SC is 34.2% cheaper than Alexandria, VA. This translates to saving $2563 per month.

What salary do I need in Charleston, SC to live like I do in Alexandria, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Alexandria, VA, you'd need approximately $119,249.523 in Charleston, SC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Alexandria, VA and Charleston, SC?

Housing in Charleston, SC is 57.0% cheaper than in Alexandria, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,100/month in Charleston, SC compared to $2,003/month in Alexandria, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Alexandria, VA to Charleston, SC?

Moving from Alexandria, VA to Charleston, SC could save you approximately $2563 per month, or $30750 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Alexandria, VA vs Charleston, SC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Alexandria, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.6K/month moving to Charleston, SC

$150.0K in your current city equals $119.2K in Charleston, SC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 34.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,563

Savings

Annual Impact

$30.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Alexandria, VA

Population:155K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$674K

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

(34% below avg)

Median Home:$490K

Alexandria, VA

The Old Dominion State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alexandria, VA vs Charleston, SC

Category	Alexandria, VA	Charleston, SC	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,409/mo	$2,325/mo	↓ $3,084less	57.0%
Transportation	$1,824/mo	$1,265/mo	↓ $559less	30.6%
Groceries	$1,062/mo	$984/mo	↓ $77.46less	7.3%
Other	$1,766/mo	$1,691/mo	↓ $74.24less	4.2%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$533/mo	↑ $32.66more	6.5%
Healthcare	$622/mo	$617/mo	↓ $5.10less	0.8%

Housing

↓ 57.0%

Alexandria, VA

$5,409

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Difference

$3,084

less

Transportation

↓ 30.6%

Alexandria, VA

$1,824

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Difference

$559

less

Groceries

↓ 7.3%

Alexandria, VA

$1,062

Charleston, SC

$984

Difference

$77.46

less

Other

↓ 4.2%

Alexandria, VA

$1,766

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Difference

$74.24

less

All Utilities

↑ 6.5%

Alexandria, VA

$500

Charleston, SC

$533

Difference

$32.66

Healthcare

↓ 0.8%

Alexandria, VA

$622

Charleston, SC

$617

Difference

$5.10

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,744

To$1,831

↑ $87.00

1 Bed

From$1,797

To$1,915

↑ $118

2 Bed

From$2,003

To$2,100

↑ $97.00

3 Bed

From$2,529

To$2,610

↑ $81.00

Alexandria, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,920–$2,900/mo

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,182

Monthly in Alexandria, VA

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$3,767

Difference

Home Values

Alexandria

Charleston

$674K

Median Value

$490K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.7%

$433K - $1.03M

Price Range

$295K - $1.47M

Homes in Charleston are 27% less expensive than Alexandria

Calculate payment - Alexandria Calculate payment - Charleston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$132

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

Rate difference

Alexandria, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Charleston, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

Additional Tax Information

Alexandria, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.