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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Chula Vista is 39% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,122/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 23%
$105,173/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 14%
$697,400 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 33%
$2,342/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 28%
275,030
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $15,135/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Charleston — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Charleston?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Charleston?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $15,135/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chula Vista details → View Charleston details →

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