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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Surprise is 38% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,917/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 29%
$93,371/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 33%
$396,000 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 32%
$1,587/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 17%
149,519
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

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $30,582/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Surprise 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 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and North Charleston?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or North Charleston?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $30,582/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and North Charleston

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands