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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Fullerton is 114% more expensive than North Charleston.

$2,124/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 36%
$104,219/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 40%
$859,600 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 69%
$2,251/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 42%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $760/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $9,120/year.

Median household income is $41,430/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 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

Fullerton vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Fullerton 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and North Charleston?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $760/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or North Charleston?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $41,430/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and North Charleston

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren 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