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

Modesto

California
120
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Modesto is 32% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,609/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 15%
$77,899/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 19%
$415,600 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 36%
$1,613/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 19%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $15,110/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Modesto 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and North Charleston?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or North Charleston?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $15,110/year higher in Modesto.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and North Charleston

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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