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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Glendale is 67% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,095/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 22%
$84,262/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 7%
$1,043,900 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 55%
$2,212/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 24%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $5,776/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Charleston — common questions

Is Glendale or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Charleston?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Charleston?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $5,776/year higher in Charleston.
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 Glendale or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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