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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Fairfield is 84% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,191/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 38%
$102,321/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 39%
$592,500 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 55%
$2,226/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 41%
119,985
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $827/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $9,924/year.

Median household income is $39,532/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Fairfield or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and North Charleston?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $827/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or North Charleston?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $39,532/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fairfield or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fairfield details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and North Charleston

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