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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Concord

California
187

Charleston is 32% cheaper than Concord.

$1,632/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 36%
$90,038/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 21%
$469,100 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 61%
$1,688/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 35%
152,014
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $19,157/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Concord — common questions

Is Charleston or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Concord?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Concord?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $19,157/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Concord details →

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