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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Fremont is 117% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,905/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 44%
$176,350/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 49%
$1,289,400 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 64%
$3,000/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 44%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,273/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $15,276/year.

Median household income is $86,312/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Charleston — common questions

Is Fremont or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Charleston?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $1,273/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Charleston?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $86,312/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Charleston

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson