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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Oakland is 52% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,917/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 15%
$97,369/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 8%
$924,700 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 49%
$2,164/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 22%
438,072
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $7,331/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Charleston — common questions

Is Oakland or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Charleston?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Charleston?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $7,331/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Charleston details →

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