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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Ontario is 19% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,916/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 15%
$82,806/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 9%
$568,000 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 17%
$1,967/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 14%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $7,232/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Charleston — common questions

Is Ontario or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Charleston?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Charleston?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $7,232/year higher in Charleston.
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 Ontario or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Charleston

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson