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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Fort Collins is 51% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,661/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 18%
$83,598/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 25%
$548,400 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 51%
$1,692/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 22%
169,705
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $20,809/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Fort Collins 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 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and North Charleston?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or North Charleston?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $20,809/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and North Charleston

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas 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