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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Charleston is 58% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,632/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 83%
$90,038/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 93%
$469,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 226%
$1,688/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 81%
152,014
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,353/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $16,236/year.

Median household income is $83,632/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Charleston or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,353/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $83,632/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Santa Clara

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville