Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Charleston is 24% more expensive than South Fulton.

$1,632/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↓ 2%
$90,038/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↓ 9%
$469,100 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 42%
$1,688/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↓ 9%
152,014
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,240/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making South Fulton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Charleston or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and South Fulton?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or South Fulton?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $8,240/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Georgia?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View South Fulton details →

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Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson South Fulton vs. Greeley South Fulton vs. Sparks South Fulton vs. Sugar Land South Fulton vs. Dearborn South Fulton vs. Santa Maria South Fulton vs. Riverview