Is Austin, TX cheaper than North Charleston, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 6.4% more expensive than North Charleston, SC. This translates to spending an extra $480 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in North Charleston, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in North Charleston, SC, you'd need approximately $155,763.104 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between North Charleston, SC and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 24.1% more expensive than in North Charleston, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,778/month in North Charleston, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from North Charleston, SC to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $480 more per month than North Charleston, SC, or $5763 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

North Charleston, SC vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 North Charleston, SC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in North Charleston, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $480/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.8K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$480

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

North Charleston, SC

Population:121K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$294K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$558K

North Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

121K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 121K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: North Charleston, SC vs Austin, TX

Category	North Charleston, SC	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,324/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $560more	24.1%
📦Other	$1,691/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $50.05more	3.0%
🏥Healthcare	$616/mo	$589/mo	↓ $27.87less	4.5%
🛒Groceries	$984/mo	$959/mo	↓ $24.71less	2.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,265/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $19.22more	1.5%
⚡All Utilities	$532/mo	$541/mo	↑ $8.48more	1.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 24.1%

North Charleston, SC

$2,324

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$560

📦Other

↑ 3.0%

North Charleston, SC

$1,691

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$50.05

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.5%

North Charleston, SC

$616

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$27.87

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.5%

North Charleston, SC

$984

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$24.71

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.5%

North Charleston, SC

$1,265

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$19.22

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.6%

North Charleston, SC

$532

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$8.48

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,547

To$1,585

↑ $38.00

1 Bed

From$1,620

To$1,685

↑ $65.00

2 Bed

From$1,778

To$1,995

↑ $217

3 Bed

From$2,210

To$2,525

↑ $315

North Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,540–$1,540/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,413

Monthly in North Charleston, SC

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$586

Difference

Home Values

North Charleston

Austin

$294K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +47.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$294K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 90% more expensive than North Charleston

Calculate payment - North Charleston Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$830

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.6%

Rate difference

North 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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

North Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.