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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Tucson is 41% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,079/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 51%
$54,546/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 65%
$242,200 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 94%
$1,076/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 57%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $35,492/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Charleston — common questions

Is Tucson or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Charleston?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Charleston?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $35,492/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 Tucson or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Charleston details →

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