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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Sacramento is 3% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,694/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 4%
$83,753/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 8%
$484,600 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 3%
$1,752/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 4%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $6,285/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Charleston — common questions

Is Sacramento or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Charleston?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Charleston?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $6,285/year higher in Charleston.
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 Sacramento or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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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