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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Scottsdale is 81% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,910/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 29%
$107,372/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 42%
$709,900 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 62%
$1,824/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 28%
242,169
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

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $546/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $6,552/year.

Median household income is $44,583/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Scottsdale 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 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and North Charleston?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $546/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or North Charleston?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $44,583/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 North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

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