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

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Fargo is 20% cheaper than North Charleston.

$916/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 49%
$66,029/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 5%
$269,800 ≈ Same
Home Value
$267,700 ≈ Same
$997/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 32%
129,064
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $3,240/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Fargo or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and North Charleston?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or North Charleston?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $3,240/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and South Carolina?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/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 Fargo details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and North Charleston

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands