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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Santa Clarita is 54% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,486/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 34%
$119,926/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 25%
$721,000 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 35%
$2,649/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 36%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $854/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $10,248/year.

Median household income is $29,888/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Charleston — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Charleston?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $854/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Charleston?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $29,888/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson