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

San Diego

California
197
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

San Diego is 116% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,223/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 39%
$104,321/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 40%
$848,500 ↑ 217%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 68%
$2,308/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 43%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $859/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $10,308/year.

Median household income is $41,532/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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 Diego vs North Charleston — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and North Charleston?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $859/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or North Charleston?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $41,532/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View North Charleston details →

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