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

Thousand Oaks

California
226
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Thousand Oaks is 148% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,580/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 47%
$134,367/yr ↑ 114%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 53%
$951,200 ↑ 255%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 72%
$2,726/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 52%
125,676
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

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thousand Oaks, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 226 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,216/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $14,592/year.

Median household income is $71,578/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thousand Oaks is $951,200 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

Thousand Oaks vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Thousand Oaks 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 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thousand Oaks and North Charleston?
Median rent in Thousand Oaks is $2,580/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $1,216/month.
Which city has higher income, Thousand Oaks or North Charleston?
Median household income is $134,367 in Thousand Oaks and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $71,578/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with median rent of $2,580/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 Thousand Oaks details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thousand Oaks and North Charleston

Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian 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