Fort Mill, SC vs James Island, SC

Fort Mill, SC and James Island, SC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Fort Mill scores 115 while James Island scores 116 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Mill is $1,437/month compared to $1,443/month in James Island — a 0% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Fort Mill has cheaper rent, James Island actually has lower median home values ($454,200 vs $457,000).

Median household income in Fort Mill is $127,537 compared to $100,176 in James Island (+27.3%). Fort Mill offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Mill spend roughly 13.5% of their income on rent, less than the 17.3% in James Island.

Climate-wise, James Island is notably warmer with an average of 67.2°F compared to 61°F in Fort Mill. James Island receives more rainfall at 44.3" per year compared to 42.4" in Fort Mill.