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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Santa Rosa is 89% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,084/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 35%
$97,410/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 36%
$685,000 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 61%
$2,130/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 38%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $34,621/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Santa Rosa 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 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and North Charleston?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or North Charleston?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $34,621/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and North Charleston

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga 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