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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Santa Rosa is 34% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,084/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 22%
$97,410/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 8%
$685,000 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 32%
$2,130/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 21%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $7,372/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Charleston — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Charleston?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Charleston?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $7,372/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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