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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Torrance

California
218

Charleston is 41% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,632/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 36%
$90,038/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 26%
$469,100 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 121%
$1,688/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 36%
152,014
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $23,067/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Torrance — common questions

Is Charleston or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Torrance?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Torrance?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $23,067/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Torrance 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 Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco