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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Scottsdale is 29% more expensive than Charleston.

$1,910/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 15%
$107,372/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 16%
$709,900 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$469,100 ↓ 34%
$1,824/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↓ 7%
242,169
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

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Charleston, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $17,334/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Charleston — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Charleston?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Charleston?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $17,334/year higher in Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Charleston details →

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