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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Stockton is 10% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,495/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 9%
$76,851/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 17%
$412,900 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 14%
$1,555/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 9%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $13,187/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Charleston — common questions

Is Stockton or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Charleston?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Charleston?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $13,187/year higher in Charleston.
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 Stockton or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Charleston

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson