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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Charleston is 43% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,632/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 58%
$90,038/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 49%
$469,100 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 103%
$1,688/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 61%
152,014
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $948/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $11,376/year.

Median household income is $44,329/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Charleston or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $948/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $44,329/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Thousand Oaks

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian