Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Charleston is 14% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $64,453 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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