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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Mesa is 18% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,478/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 8%
$78,779/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 20%
$364,300 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 27%
$1,404/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 7%
507,478
Population
117,460

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $15,990/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Mesa or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and North Charleston?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or North Charleston?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $15,990/year higher in Mesa.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mesa details → View North Charleston details →

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