Moving from Charleston to Montgomery (2026)
Montgomery has a COL index of 81 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Montgomery to match your Charleston lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charleston | Equivalent in Montgomery |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,402 |
| $50K | $41,753 |
| $60K | $50,103 |
| $75K | $62,629 |
| $80K | $66,804 |
| $100K | $83,505 |
| $120K | $100,206 |
| $150K | $125,258 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Charleston vs Montgomery
| Expense | Charleston | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $376 | $353 |
| Transport | $55 | $38 |
| Utilities | $162 | $170 |
| Internet | $63 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797 | $2,759 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $887 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Charleston — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montgomery cheaper than Charleston?
Yes. Montgomery has a cost of living index of 81 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Charleston to Montgomery?
On a $75K salary, moving from Charleston to Montgomery saves roughly $925/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,100/year.
What salary do I need in Montgomery to match my Charleston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $62,629/year in Montgomery. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only