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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Charleston is 49% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,632/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 30%
$90,038/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 21%
$469,100 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 188%
$1,688/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 39%
152,014
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $18,520/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Charleston or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Berkeley?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Berkeley?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $18,520/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and California?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Berkeley details →

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