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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Sunnyvale is 275% more expensive than North Charleston.

$3,065/mo ↑ 125%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 55%
$181,862/yr ↑ 190%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 65%
$1,816,600 ↑ 579%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 85%
$3,016/mo ↑ 130%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 56%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,701/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $20,412/year.

Median household income is $119,073/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 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

Sunnyvale vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Sunnyvale 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 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and North Charleston?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $1,701/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or North Charleston?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $119,073/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View North Charleston details →

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