Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Chandler is 5% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,806/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 10%
$103,691/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 13%
$469,800 ≈ Same
Home Value
$469,100 ≈ Same
$1,743/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 3%
278,123
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $13,653/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Charleston — common questions

Is Chandler or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Charleston?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Charleston?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $13,653/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and South Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chandler details → View Charleston details →

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