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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Modesto is 6% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,609/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 1%
$77,899/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 16%
$415,600 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 13%
$1,613/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 5%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,139/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Charleston — common questions

Is Modesto or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Charleston?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Charleston?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $12,139/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 Modesto or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Charleston

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson