Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Fargo is 15% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $63,409 in Fargo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · North Dakota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Fargo sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $260,000 in Fargo, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,000 in Fargo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Fargo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are lower than Fargo (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $55,218 in Fargo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fargo.
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