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

Ontario

California
152
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Ontario is 67% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,916/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 29%
$82,806/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 24%
$568,000 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 53%
$1,967/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 33%
178,347
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $552/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $6,624/year.

Median household income is $20,017/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Ontario or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and North Charleston?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $552/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or North Charleston?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $20,017/year higher in Ontario.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ontario details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and North Charleston

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands