Is Macon-Bibb County, GA cheaper than Charleston, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Macon-Bibb County, GA is 2.6% cheaper than Charleston, SC. This translates to saving $196 per month.

What salary do I need in Macon-Bibb County, GA to live like I do in Charleston, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Charleston, SC, you'd need approximately $147,644.415 in Macon-Bibb County, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Charleston, SC and Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Housing in Macon-Bibb County, GA is 10.3% cheaper than in Charleston, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $975/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA compared to $2,100/month in Charleston, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Charleston, SC to Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Moving from Charleston, SC to Macon-Bibb County, GA could save you approximately $196 per month, or $2356 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Charleston, SC vs Macon-Bibb County, GA: 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 Charleston, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $196/month moving to Macon-Bibb County, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Macon-Bibb County, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charleston-North Charleston, SC area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$196

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

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

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$490K

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Population:157K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$153K

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Macon-Bibb County, GA

The Peach State

157K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 157K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Charleston, SC vs Macon-Bibb County, GA

Category	Charleston, SC	Macon-Bibb County, GA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,265/mo	$1,569/mo	↑ $304more	24.0%
Housing	$2,325/mo	$2,084/mo	↓ $241less	10.3%
Healthcare	$617/mo	$535/mo	↓ $81.18less	13.2%
All Utilities	$533/mo	$609/mo	↑ $76.14more	14.3%
Groceries	$984/mo	$999/mo	↑ $14.55more	1.5%
Other	$1,691/mo	$1,705/mo	↑ $14.11more	0.8%

Transportation

↑ 24.0%

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,569

Difference

$304

Housing

↓ 10.3%

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$2,084

Difference

$241

less

Healthcare

↓ 13.2%

Charleston, SC

$617

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$535

Difference

$81.18

less

All Utilities

↑ 14.3%

Charleston, SC

$533

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$609

Difference

$76.14

Groceries

↑ 1.5%

Charleston, SC

$984

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$999

Difference

$14.55

Other

↑ 0.8%

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,705

Difference

$14.11

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,831

To$704

↓ $1,127

1 Bed

From$1,915

To$813

↓ $1,102

2 Bed

From$2,100

To$975

↓ $1,125

3 Bed

From$2,610

To$1,301

↓ $1,309

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.

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$7,502

Monthly in Macon-Bibb County, GA

$87.24

Difference

Home Values

Charleston

Macon-Bibb County

$490K

Median Value

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

$295K - $1.47M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Charleston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$125

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.0%

Rate difference

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

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Macon-Bibb County, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.