Moving from Charleston to Tempe (2026)
Tempe has a COL index of 103 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 6% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Tempe to match your Charleston lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charleston | Equivalent in Tempe |
|---|---|
| $40K | $42,474 |
| $50K | $53,093 |
| $60K | $63,711 |
| $75K | $79,639 |
| $80K | $84,948 |
| $100K | $106,186 |
| $120K | $127,423 |
| $150K | $159,278 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Charleston vs Tempe
| Expense | Charleston | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,600 |
| Groceries | $376 | $380 |
| Transport | $55 | $55 |
| Utilities | $162 | $210 |
| Internet | $63 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797 | $2,277 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tempe cheaper than Charleston?
No. Tempe has a cost of living index of 103 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 6% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Charleston to Tempe?
On a $75K salary, moving from Charleston to Tempe could save roughly $249/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,988/year.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match my Charleston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $79,639/year in Tempe. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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