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

Fontana

California
146
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Fontana is 60% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,733/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 21%
$98,187/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 36%
$558,500 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 52%
$1,990/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 34%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $35,398/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 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

Fontana vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Fontana 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 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and North Charleston?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or North Charleston?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $35,398/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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