Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Charleston is 4% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,632/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 12%
$90,038/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 24%
$469,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 31%
$1,688/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 14%
152,014
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $21,660/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Charleston or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $21,660/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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View East Los Angeles details →

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