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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Glendale is 20% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,397/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 17%
$70,139/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 28%
$347,000 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 35%
$1,356/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 24%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $19,899/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Charleston — common questions

Is Glendale or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Charleston?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Charleston?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $19,899/year higher in Charleston.
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 Glendale or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Charleston details →

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