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

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Oxnard is 24% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,962/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 17%
$93,372/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 4%
$617,800 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 24%
$1,976/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 15%
201,014
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

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $3,334/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Charleston — common questions

Is Oxnard or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Charleston?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Charleston?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $3,334/year higher in Oxnard.
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 Oxnard or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/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 Oxnard details → View Charleston details →

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