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

Fresno

California
101
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Fresno is 11% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,324/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 3%
$66,804/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 6%
$348,500 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 23%
$1,391/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 6%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,015/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 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

Fresno vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and North Charleston?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or North Charleston?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $4,015/year higher in Fresno.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View North Charleston details →

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