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

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

Temecula

California
179

North Charleston is 49% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,364/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 68%
$62,789/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 88%
$267,700 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 139%
$1,312/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 86%
117,460
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $933/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $11,196/year.

Median household income is $55,051/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs Temecula — common questions

Is North Charleston or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and Temecula?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $933/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or Temecula?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $55,051/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View Temecula details →

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