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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Pasadena is 142% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,218/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 39%
$103,778/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 39%
$1,045,000 ↑ 290%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 74%
$2,340/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 44%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $854/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $10,248/year.

Median household income is $40,989/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 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

Pasadena vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Pasadena 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 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and North Charleston?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $854/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or North Charleston?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $40,989/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View North Charleston details →

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