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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Richmond

California
161

Charleston is 20% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,632/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 16%
$90,038/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,038/yr ≈ Same
$469,100 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 39%
$1,688/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 19%
152,014
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $0/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Richmond — common questions

Is Charleston or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Richmond?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Richmond?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $0/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Richmond details →

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