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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Charleston is 23% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,632/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 34%
$90,038/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 14%
$469,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 26%
$1,688/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 32%
152,014
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $12,283/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Charleston or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Fairfield?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Fairfield?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $12,283/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and California?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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