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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

San Francisco is 193% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,419/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 44%
$141,446/yr ↑ 125%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 56%
$1,380,500 ↑ 416%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 81%
$2,620/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 50%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,055/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $12,660/year.

Median household income is $78,657/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs North Charleston — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and North Charleston?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $1,055/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or North Charleston?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $78,657/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View North Charleston details →

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