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

Roseville

California
168
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Roseville is 40% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,099/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 22%
$117,354/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 23%
$630,600 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 26%
$2,226/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 24%
152,438
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Roseville, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $27,316/year higher in Roseville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Roseville is $630,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Roseville vs Charleston — common questions

Is Roseville or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Roseville and Charleston?
Median rent in Roseville is $2,099/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Roseville or Charleston?
Median household income is $117,354 in Roseville and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $27,316/year higher in Roseville.
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 Roseville or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Roseville has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,099/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.
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