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

San Jose

California
254
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

San Jose is 179% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,617/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 48%
$141,565/yr ↑ 125%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 56%
$1,187,800 ↑ 344%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 77%
$2,775/mo ↑ 112%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 53%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,253/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $15,036/year.

Median household income is $78,776/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs North Charleston — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and North Charleston?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $1,253/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or North Charleston?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $78,776/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View North Charleston details →

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