Charleston vs Billings for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Charleston South Carolina | Billings Montana |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,900 | $1,200Better |
| Median home price | $430K | $320KBetter |
| State income tax | 6.2%Better | 6.8% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7.5% | 0%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $162 | $148Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 99 | 97Better |
| Est. healthcare / month | $485 | $445Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 48 / 100Better | 26 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97 | 89Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Charleston or Billings?
Charleston and Billings are closely matched for retirees. Housing costs, tax burden, and overall affordability are similar. Your specific priorities — climate, walkability, family proximity — should guide the decision.
Is retirement income taxed in Charleston or Billings?
Charleston has the lower state income tax rate (6.2% vs 6.8%). Note that many states exempt Social Security income and some pension income from state taxes even when other income is taxed — check your specific state's retirement tax rules.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Charleston vs Billings?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $485 in Charleston and $445 in Billings. That's a difference of ~$40/month, or ~$480/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Charleston on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Charleston, rent alone would consume approximately 46% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,900/mo) and healthcare another ~12%. That leaves roughly 42% (~$1,750/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Charleston has a higher walk score (48 vs 26 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Charleston offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Charleston has the same purchasing power as $46K/year in Billings
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026