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

Stockton

California
115
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Stockton is 26% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,495/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 9%
$76,851/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 18%
$412,900 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 35%
$1,555/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 16%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $14,062/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 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

Stockton vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Stockton 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 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and North Charleston?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or North Charleston?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $14,062/year higher in Stockton.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View North Charleston details →

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