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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Garden Grove is 93% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,971/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 31%
$90,166/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 30%
$765,500 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 65%
$2,016/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 35%
170,603
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $607/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $7,284/year.

Median household income is $27,377/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Garden Grove or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and North Charleston?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $607/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or North Charleston?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $27,377/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and North 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 North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands