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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

San Francisco is 109% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,419/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 33%
$141,446/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 36%
$1,380,500 ↑ 194%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 66%
$2,620/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 36%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $787/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $9,444/year.

Median household income is $51,408/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Charleston — common questions

Is San Francisco or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Charleston?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $787/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Charleston?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $51,408/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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.
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