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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Elk Grove is 31% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,180/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 25%
$122,229/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 26%
$603,400 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 22%
$2,227/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 24%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $548/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $6,576/year.

Median household income is $32,191/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Charleston — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Charleston?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $548/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Charleston?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $32,191/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Charleston details →

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