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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Sacramento is 45% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,694/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 19%
$83,753/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 25%
$484,600 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 45%
$1,752/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 25%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $20,964/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and North Charleston?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or North Charleston?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $20,964/year higher in Sacramento.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.
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Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands