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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Long Beach is 86% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,803/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 24%
$83,969/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 25%
$762,200 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 65%
$1,890/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 31%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $21,180/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 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

Long Beach vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and North Charleston?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or North Charleston?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $21,180/year higher in Long Beach.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and North Charleston

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland 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