Moving from Charleston to Albany (2026)
Albany has a COL index of 92 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$458/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9792
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,400
per month
State tax
6.2%6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,353$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Albany to match your Charleston lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charleston | Equivalent in Albany |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,938 |
| $50K | $47,423 |
| $60K | $56,907 |
| $75K | $71,134 |
| $80K | $75,876 |
| $100K | $94,845 |
| $120K | $113,814 |
| $150K | $142,268 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Charleston vs Albany
| Expense | Charleston | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $376 | $380 |
| Transport | $55 | $68 |
| Utilities | $162 | $185 |
| Internet | $63 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797 | $2,211 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Albany cheaper than Charleston?
Yes. Albany has a cost of living index of 92 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Charleston to Albany?
On a $75K salary, moving from Charleston to Albany could save roughly $458/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,496/year.
What salary do I need in Albany to match my Charleston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $71,134/year in Albany. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Albany to CharlestonCharleston vs Albany — full comparisonCharleston cost of livingAlbany cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only