Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Fort Worth is 14% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $64,773 in Fort Worth.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Fort Worth sits at 87 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $270,000 in Fort Worth, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,400 in Fort Worth.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charleston scores 102 while Fort Worth scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Fort Worth (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $62,187 in Fort Worth. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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