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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Sunnyvale is 213% more expensive than Charleston.

$3,065/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 47%
$181,862/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 50%
$1,816,600 ↑ 287%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 74%
$3,016/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 44%
153,455
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,433/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $17,196/year.

Median household income is $91,824/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Charleston — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Charleston?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $1,433/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Charleston?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $91,824/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Charleston details →