Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Charleston is 29% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $53,226 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $320,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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