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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Charleston is 34% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,632/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 30%
$90,038/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 16%
$469,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 83%
$1,688/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 33%
152,014
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $14,181/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Charleston or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Fullerton?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Fullerton?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $14,181/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Fullerton

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren