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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Mesa is 16% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,478/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 10%
$78,779/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 14%
$364,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 29%
$1,404/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 20%
507,478
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $11,259/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Charleston — common questions

Is Mesa or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Charleston?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Charleston?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $11,259/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 Mesa or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Charleston details →

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