Moving from Charleston to Mesa (2026)
Mesa has a COL index of 96 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$462/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9796
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,400
per month
State tax
6.2%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,353$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Mesa to match your Charleston lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charleston | Equivalent in Mesa |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,588 |
| $50K | $49,485 |
| $60K | $59,381 |
| $75K | $74,227 |
| $80K | $79,175 |
| $100K | $98,969 |
| $120K | $118,763 |
| $150K | $148,454 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Charleston vs Mesa
| Expense | Charleston | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $376 | $369 |
| Transport | $55 | $55 |
| Utilities | $162 | $210 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797 | $2,490 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mesa cheaper than Charleston?
Yes. Mesa has a cost of living index of 96 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Charleston to Mesa?
On a $75K salary, moving from Charleston to Mesa could save roughly $462/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,544/year.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match my Charleston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $74,227/year in Mesa. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Mesa to CharlestonCharleston vs Mesa — full comparisonCharleston cost of livingMesa cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only