Moving from Charleston to Tucson (2026)
Tucson has a COL index of 93 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$633/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9793
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,250
per month
State tax
6.2%2.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,353$4,584
per month
Salary needed in Tucson to match your Charleston lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charleston | Equivalent in Tucson |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,351 |
| $50K | $47,938 |
| $60K | $57,526 |
| $75K | $71,907 |
| $80K | $76,701 |
| $100K | $95,876 |
| $120K | $115,052 |
| $150K | $143,814 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Charleston vs Tucson
| Expense | Charleston | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,584 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $376 | $365 |
| Transport | $55 | $48 |
| Utilities | $162 | $200 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797 | $2,661 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tucson cheaper than Charleston?
Yes. Tucson has a cost of living index of 93 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Charleston to Tucson?
On a $75K salary, moving from Charleston to Tucson could save roughly $633/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,596/year.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match my Charleston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $71,907/year in Tucson. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Tucson to CharlestonCharleston vs Tucson — full comparisonCharleston cost of livingTucson 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