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

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Downey

California
169

North Charleston is 46% cheaper than Downey.

$1,364/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 39%
$62,789/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 39%
$267,700 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 172%
$1,312/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 52%
117,460
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $24,611/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Downey — common questions

Is North Charleston or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Downey?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Downey?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $24,611/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Downey details →

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