Cost of Living: Fort Collins, CO vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Fort Collins is 7% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,661/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 2%
$83,598/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 8%
$548,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 14%
$1,692/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ≈ Same
169,705
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,440/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Charleston — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Charleston?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Charleston?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $6,440/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and South Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Collins or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Charleston details →

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