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

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Rancho Cucamonga is 42% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,286/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 29%
$109,511/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 18%
$694,400 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 32%
$2,324/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 27%
174,693
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $654/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $7,848/year.

Median household income is $19,473/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Charleston — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Charleston?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $654/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Charleston?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $19,473/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rancho Cucamonga and Charleston

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