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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Escondido

California
163

Charleston is 35% cheaper than Escondido.

$1,632/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,922/mo ↑ 18%
$90,038/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$84,477/yr ↓ 6%
$469,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$663,500 ↑ 41%
$1,688/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,022/mo ↑ 20%
152,014
Population
149,913

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Escondido, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $5,561/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $663,500 in Escondido.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Escondido — common questions

Is Charleston or Escondido cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Escondido?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Escondido it's $1,922/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Escondido?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $84,477 in Escondido. Median household income is $5,561/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 Escondido?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Escondido has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,922/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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