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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Charleston is 49% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,632/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 64%
$90,038/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 55%
$469,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 147%
$1,688/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 66%
152,014
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,046/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $12,552/year.

Median household income is $49,288/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Charleston or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,046/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $49,288/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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