Cost of Living: Fayetteville, NC vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Fayetteville is 43% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,179/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 38%
$56,395/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 60%
$171,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 173%
$1,156/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 46%
209,692
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $33,643/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs Charleston — common questions

Is Fayetteville or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and Charleston?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or Charleston?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $33,643/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fayetteville or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fayetteville details → View Charleston details →

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