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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

San Bernardino is 20% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,433/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 5%
$63,988/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 2%
$384,900 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 30%
$1,478/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 11%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $1,199/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 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

San Bernardino vs North Charleston — common questions

Is San Bernardino 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and North Charleston?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or North Charleston?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $1,199/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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.
View San Bernardino details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and North Charleston

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