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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Fresno is 21% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,324/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 23%
$66,804/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 35%
$348,500 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 35%
$1,391/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 21%
543,615
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $23,234/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Charleston — common questions

Is Fresno or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Charleston?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Charleston?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $23,234/year higher in Charleston.
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 Fresno or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Charleston details →

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