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

Based on cost of living data, Charleston, SC is 2.7% more expensive than Macon-Bibb County, GA. This translates to spending an extra $202 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Macon-Bibb County, GA, you'd need approximately $152,418.895 in Charleston, SC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Charleston, SC is 11.5% more expensive than in Macon-Bibb County, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,100/month in Charleston, SC compared to $975/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA.

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

Living in Charleston, SC costs approximately $202 more per month than Macon-Bibb County, GA, or $2419 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Macon-Bibb County, GA vs Charleston, SC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Macon-Bibb County, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $202/month more in Charleston, SC

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.4K in Charleston, SC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$202

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

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

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Population:157K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$153K

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$490K

Macon-Bibb County, GA

The Peach State

157K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 157K 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: Macon-Bibb County, GA vs Charleston, SC

Category	Macon-Bibb County, GA	Charleston, SC	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,569/mo	$1,265/mo	↓ $304less	19.4%
Housing	$2,084/mo	$2,325/mo	↑ $241more	11.5%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$617/mo	↑ $81.18more	15.2%
All Utilities	$609/mo	$533/mo	↓ $76.14less	12.5%
Groceries	$999/mo	$984/mo	↓ $14.55less	1.5%
Other	$1,705/mo	$1,691/mo	↓ $14.11less	0.8%

Transportation

↓ 19.4%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,569

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Difference

$304

less

Housing

↑ 11.5%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$2,084

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Difference

$241

Healthcare

↑ 15.2%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$535

Charleston, SC

$617

Difference

$81.18

All Utilities

↓ 12.5%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$609

Charleston, SC

$533

Difference

$76.14

less

Groceries

↓ 1.5%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$999

Charleston, SC

$984

Difference

$14.55

less

Other

↓ 0.8%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,705

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Difference

$14.11

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$704

To$1,831

↑ $1,127

1 Bed

From$813

To$1,915

↑ $1,102

2 Bed

From$975

To$2,100

↑ $1,125

3 Bed

From$1,301

To$2,610

↑ $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.

$7,502

Monthly in Macon-Bibb County, GA

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$87.24

Difference

Home Values

Macon-Bibb County

Charleston

Median Value

$490K

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.7%

Price Range

$295K - $1.47M

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

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$125

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.0%

Rate difference

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

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

Macon-Bibb County, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.