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

Peoria

Arizona
125
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Peoria is 2% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,743/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 6%
$93,403/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 4%
$429,400 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 9%
$1,589/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 6%
194,338
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

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Peoria, AZ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 125 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $3,365/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Peoria is $429,400 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Peoria vs Charleston — common questions

Is Peoria or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 125 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Peoria and Charleston?
Median rent in Peoria is $1,743/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Peoria or Charleston?
Median household income is $93,403 in Peoria and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $3,365/year higher in Peoria.
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 Peoria or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Peoria has a cost index of 125 with median rent of $1,743/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 Peoria details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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