Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Charleston is 75% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,632/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 44%
$90,038/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 27%
$469,100 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$269,800 ↓ 42%
$1,688/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 41%
152,014
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $716/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $8,592/year.

Median household income is $24,009/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Fargo — common questions

Is Charleston or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Fargo?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $716/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Fargo?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $24,009/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and North Dakota?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Fargo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Fargo

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres