Cost of Living: North Charleston, SC vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

North Charleston

South Carolina
91
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

North Charleston is 12% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,364/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 18%
$62,789/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 30%
$267,700 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 1%
$1,312/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 17%
117,460
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing North Charleston, SC and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $19,009/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in North Charleston is $267,700 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making South Fulton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Charleston vs South Fulton — common questions

Is North Charleston or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between North Charleston and South Fulton?
Median rent in North Charleston is $1,364/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, North Charleston or South Fulton?
Median household income is $62,789 in North Charleston and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $19,009/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Georgia?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to North Charleston or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,364/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View North Charleston details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for North Charleston and South Fulton

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 South Fulton vs. Greeley South Fulton vs. Sparks South Fulton vs. Sugar Land South Fulton vs. Dearborn South Fulton vs. Santa Maria South Fulton vs. Riverview