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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Irvine is 100% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,893/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 44%
$129,647/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 31%
$1,115,400 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 58%
$2,904/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 42%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,261/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $15,132/year.

Median household income is $39,609/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Charleston — common questions

Is Irvine or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Charleston?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $1,261/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Charleston?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $39,609/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Charleston details →

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