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

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Charleston and Surprise have a similar cost of living.

$1,632/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 17%
$90,038/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 4%
$469,100 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 16%
$1,688/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 6%
152,014
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $3,333/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Surprise — common questions

Is Charleston or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Surprise?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Surprise?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $3,333/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Arizona?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Surprise details →

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