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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Phoenix is 15% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,458/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 12%
$77,041/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 17%
$381,900 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 23%
$1,430/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 18%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $12,997/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Charleston — common questions

Is Phoenix or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Charleston?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Charleston?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $12,997/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 Phoenix or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Charleston details →

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