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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Fontana is 14% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,733/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 6%
$98,187/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 8%
$558,500 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 16%
$1,990/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 15%
211,921
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $8,149/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Charleston — common questions

Is Fontana or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Charleston?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Charleston?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $8,149/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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