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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

San Jose is 98% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,617/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 38%
$141,565/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 36%
$1,187,800 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 61%
$2,775/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 39%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $985/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $11,820/year.

Median household income is $51,527/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Charleston — common questions

Is San Jose or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Charleston?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $985/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Charleston?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $51,527/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Charleston details →

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