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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Charleston is 27% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,632/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 43%
$90,038/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 22%
$469,100 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 29%
$1,688/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 41%
152,014
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $698/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $8,376/year.

Median household income is $19,742/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Charleston or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Murrieta?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $698/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Murrieta?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $19,742/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Murrieta

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett