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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Temecula

California
179

Charleston is 28% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,632/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 41%
$90,038/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 31%
$469,100 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 37%
$1,688/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 44%
152,014
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $665/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $7,980/year.

Median household income is $27,802/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Temecula — common questions

Is Charleston or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Temecula?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $665/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Temecula?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $27,802/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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