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

Torrance

California
218
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Torrance is 140% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,214/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 38%
$113,105/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 44%
$1,036,600 ↑ 287%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 74%
$2,295/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 43%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $850/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $10,200/year.

Median household income is $50,316/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 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

Torrance vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Torrance 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 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and North Charleston?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $850/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or North Charleston?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $50,316/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and North Charleston

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco 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