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

Berkeley

California
251
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Berkeley is 176% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,127/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 36%
$108,558/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 42%
$1,351,100 ↑ 405%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 80%
$2,340/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 44%
120,223
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $45,769/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Berkeley or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and North Charleston?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or North Charleston?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $45,769/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View North Charleston details →

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