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

Irvine

California
256
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Irvine is 181% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,893/mo ↑ 112%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 53%
$129,647/yr ↑ 106%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 52%
$1,115,400 ↑ 317%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 76%
$2,904/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 55%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,529/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $18,348/year.

Median household income is $66,858/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and North Charleston?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $1,529/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or North Charleston?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $66,858/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View North Charleston details →

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