Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Mesa is 10% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $67,500 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
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