Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Charleston is 34% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $49,699 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 Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $470,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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