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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Los Angeles is 105% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,879/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 27%
$80,366/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 22%
$879,500 ↑ 229%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 70%
$2,055/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 36%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $515/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $6,180/year.

Median household income is $17,577/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and North Charleston?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $515/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or North Charleston?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $17,577/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and North Charleston

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