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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

San Diego is 54% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,223/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 27%
$104,321/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 14%
$848,500 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 45%
$2,308/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 27%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $14,283/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Charleston — common questions

Is San Diego or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Charleston?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Charleston?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $14,283/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Charleston details →

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