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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Los Angeles is 46% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,879/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 13%
$80,366/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 12%
$879,500 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 47%
$2,055/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 18%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $9,672/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Charleston — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Charleston?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Charleston?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $9,672/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 Los Angeles or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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