Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Greenville is 10% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $67,217 in Greenville.
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. Greenville has a housing index of 85 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Greenville costs $250,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Greenville versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Greenville scores 98 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Greenville (103) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Greenville is $48,912 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Greenville.
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