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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Charleston is 42% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,632/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 36%
$90,038/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 15%
$469,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 123%
$1,688/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 39%
152,014
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $586/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $7,032/year.

Median household income is $13,740/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Charleston or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Pasadena?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $586/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Pasadena?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,740/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Pasadena details →

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