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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Lancaster is 36% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,696/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 20%
$76,083/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 17%
$409,100 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 35%
$1,746/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 25%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $13,294/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 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

Lancaster vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Lancaster 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 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and North Charleston?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or North Charleston?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $13,294/year higher in Lancaster.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and North Charleston

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands