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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Downey

California
169

Charleston is 24% cheaper than Downey.

$1,632/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 16%
$90,038/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 3%
$469,100 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 55%
$1,688/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 18%
152,014
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $2,638/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Downey — common questions

Is Charleston or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Downey?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Downey?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $2,638/year higher in Charleston.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Downey details →

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