Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Anaheim is 54% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,082/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 22%
$90,583/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,038/yr ≈ Same
$771,700 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 39%
$2,165/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 22%
344,553
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $545/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Charleston — common questions

Is Anaheim or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Charleston?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Charleston?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $545/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Charleston details →