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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Santa Clarita is 116% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,486/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 45%
$119,926/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 48%
$721,000 ↑ 169%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 63%
$2,649/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 50%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,122/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $13,464/year.

Median household income is $57,137/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and North Charleston?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $1,122/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or North Charleston?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $57,137/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and North Charleston

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 North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands