47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
64
Overall Score /100
Wins 4 of 7 categories
Charleston wins 4–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Charleston wins 1–4 overall (64/100)
💰 Charleston is more affordable
💼 Charleston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Charleston has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Charleston — The Verdict
Charleston scores 64.5/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 4 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Charleston has a clear edge with home prices 47% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Charleston has a notably lower disaster history with 35 fewer declarations in 20 years. Charleston may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Charleston are 47% lower — a difference of $383,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Charleston saves you $274/month — that's $3,288 per year.
💵
Households in Charleston earn $7,647 more per year (10% higher median income).
📊
Charleston has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Charleston has experienced 35 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$438,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,517
Median Income
$76,244
$83,891
The affordability gap is significant — Charleston offers home prices 47% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $383,700 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
4.8%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Charleston having a slight edge at 4.8% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
0
28 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
19
Charleston has a markedly lower disaster history — 35 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Charleston: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Charleston is more affordable overall. Home prices are $383,700 lower in Charleston. Monthly rent is $1,517 in Charleston vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Charleston have better weather?
Los Angeles scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Los Angeles or Charleston better for finding a job?
Charleston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 4.8% in Charleston. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $83,891 in Charleston.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Charleston?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Charleston is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 19 in Charleston. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Charleston.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Charleston?
Based on our data, Charleston scores 64.5/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Charleston is more affordable, while Los Angeles has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.