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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Santa Clara is 237% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,985/mo ↑ 119%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 54%
$173,670/yr ↑ 177%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 64%
$1,527,900 ↑ 471%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 82%
$3,051/mo ↑ 133%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 57%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,621/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $19,452/year.

Median household income is $110,881/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 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 Clara vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Santa Clara 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 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and North Charleston?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $1,621/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or North Charleston?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $110,881/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View North Charleston details →

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