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

Orange

California
206
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Orange is 126% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,252/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 39%
$116,945/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 46%
$900,700 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 70%
$2,394/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 45%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $888/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $10,656/year.

Median household income is $54,156/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 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

Orange vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Orange 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 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and North Charleston?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $888/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or North Charleston?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $54,156/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and North Charleston

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City 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