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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Garden Grove is 38% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,971/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 17%
$90,166/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,038/yr ≈ Same
$765,500 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 39%
$2,016/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 16%
170,603
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

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $128/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Charleston — common questions

Is Garden 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Charleston?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Charleston?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $128/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Charleston

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson