Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Santa Ana is 27% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,975/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 17%
$88,354/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 2%
$657,800 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 29%
$1,965/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 14%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $1,684/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Charleston — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Charleston?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Charleston?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $1,684/year higher in Charleston.
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 Santa Ana or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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