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

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

North Charleston is 34% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,364/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 35%
$62,789/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 35%
$267,700 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 79%
$1,312/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 36%
117,460
Population
109,880

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 Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $21,828/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is North Charleston or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Santa Maria?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $21,828/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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