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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Santa Ana is 79% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,975/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 31%
$88,354/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 29%
$657,800 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 59%
$1,965/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 33%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $25,565/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and North Charleston?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $611/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or North Charleston?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $25,565/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.
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More Comparisons

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