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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

San Bernardino is 15% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,433/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 14%
$63,988/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
$384,900 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 22%
$1,478/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 14%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $26,050/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Charleston — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Charleston?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Charleston?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $26,050/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 San Bernardino or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Charleston details →

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