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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Pomona

California
143

Charleston is 10% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,632/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 6%
$90,038/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 12%
$469,100 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 21%
$1,688/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 4%
152,014
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $11,169/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Pomona — common questions

Is Charleston or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Pomona?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Pomona?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $11,169/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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Pomona details →

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