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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Charleston is 7% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,632/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 13%
$90,038/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 6%
$469,100 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 2%
$1,688/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 6%
152,014
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $5,421/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Charleston or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $5,421/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton