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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Orange

California
206

Charleston is 38% cheaper than Orange.

$1,632/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 38%
$90,038/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 30%
$469,100 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 92%
$1,688/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 42%
152,014
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $620/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $7,440/year.

Median household income is $26,907/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Orange — common questions

Is Charleston or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Orange?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $620/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Orange?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $26,907/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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