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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Charleston is 44% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,632/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 47%
$90,038/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 22%
$469,100 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 125%
$1,688/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 46%
152,014
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $20,035/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Charleston or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $20,035/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Costa Mesa details →

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Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria