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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Huntington Beach is 77% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,424/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 33%
$119,885/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 25%
$1,047,300 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 55%
$2,436/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 31%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $29,847/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Charleston — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Charleston?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Charleston?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $29,847/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Charleston details →

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