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

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

North Charleston is 60% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,364/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 76%
$62,789/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 75%
$267,700 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 294%
$1,312/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 88%
117,460
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,031/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $12,372/year.

Median household income is $47,284/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is North Charleston or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,031/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $47,284/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and California?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for North Charleston and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria