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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Long Beach is 32% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,803/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 9%
$83,969/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 7%
$762,200 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 38%
$1,890/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 11%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $6,069/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Charleston — common questions

Is Long 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Charleston?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Charleston?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $6,069/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 Long Beach or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Charleston details →

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