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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Gilbert is 16% more expensive than Charleston.

$2,028/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 20%
$121,351/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 26%
$518,600 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 10%
$1,908/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 12%
271,118
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

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $396/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $4,752/year.

Median household income is $31,313/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Charleston — common questions

Is Gilbert or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Charleston?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $396/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Charleston?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $31,313/year higher in Gilbert.
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 Gilbert or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Charleston details →

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