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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Lancaster is 3% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,696/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 4%
$76,083/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 18%
$409,100 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 15%
$1,746/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 3%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $13,955/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Charleston — common questions

Is Lancaster or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Charleston?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Charleston?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $13,955/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 Lancaster or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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.
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More Comparisons

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