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

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Fayetteville is 20% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,179/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 16%
$56,395/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 11%
$171,900 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 56%
$1,156/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 13%
209,692
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fayetteville, NC and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $6,394/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fayetteville is $171,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Fayetteville or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fayetteville and North Charleston?
Median rent in Fayetteville is $1,179/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Fayetteville or North Charleston?
Median household income is $56,395 in Fayetteville and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $6,394/year higher in North 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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,179/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 Fayetteville details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fayetteville and North Charleston

Fayetteville vs. Rochester Fayetteville vs. Yonkers Fayetteville vs. Frisco Fayetteville vs. Cape Coral Fayetteville vs. Moreno Valley Fayetteville vs. Worcester 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