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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Charleston is 17% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,632/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 23%
$90,038/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$89,496/yr ≈ Same
$469,100 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 19%
$1,688/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 22%
152,014
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $542/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Charleston or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Vallejo?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Vallejo?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $542/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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Vallejo details →

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