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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Tempe is 6% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,623/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ≈ Same
$77,643/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 16%
$421,900 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 11%
$1,554/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 9%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,395/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Charleston — common questions

Is Tempe or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Charleston?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Charleston?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $12,395/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 Tempe or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Charleston

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson