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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Phoenix is 20% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,458/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 6%
$77,041/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 18%
$381,900 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 30%
$1,430/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 8%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $14,252/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and North Charleston?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or North Charleston?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $14,252/year higher in Phoenix.
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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View North Charleston details →

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