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

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Murrieta

California
175

North Charleston is 48% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,364/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 71%
$62,789/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 75%
$267,700 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 127%
$1,312/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 81%
117,460
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $966/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $11,592/year.

Median household income is $46,991/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Murrieta — common questions

Is North Charleston or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Murrieta?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $966/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Murrieta?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $46,991/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Murrieta details →

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