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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Moreno Valley is 12% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,036/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 20%
$87,477/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 3%
$461,400 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 2%
$1,980/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 15%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $404/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $4,848/year.

Median household income is $2,561/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Charleston — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Charleston?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $404/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Charleston?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $2,561/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 Moreno Valley or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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