Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Mount Pleasant, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 10.7% more expensive than Mount Pleasant, SC. This translates to spending an extra $800 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Mount Pleasant, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Mount Pleasant, SC, you'd need approximately $159,599.509 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Mount Pleasant, SC and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 24.5% more expensive than in Mount Pleasant, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,564/month in Mount Pleasant, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Mount Pleasant, SC to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $800 more per month than Mount Pleasant, SC, or $9600 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Mount Pleasant, SC vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Mount Pleasant, SC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in Mount Pleasant, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $800/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.6K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charleston-North Charleston, SC area

Overall Cost

↑ 10.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$800

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Mount Pleasant, SC

Population:95K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$904K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$414K

Mount Pleasant, SC

The Palmetto State

95K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 95K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mount Pleasant, SC vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Mount Pleasant, SC	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,239/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $549more	24.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,218/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $270more	22.2%
📦Other	$1,629/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $48.41more	3.0%
⚡All Utilities	$523/mo	$561/mo	↑ $38.55more	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$605/mo	$589/mo	↓ $16.47less	2.7%
🛒Groceries	$966/mo	$963/mo	↓ $2.52less	0.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 24.5%

Mount Pleasant, SC

$2,239

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$549

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.2%

Mount Pleasant, SC

$1,218

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$270

📦Other

↑ 3.0%

Mount Pleasant, SC

$1,629

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$48.41

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.4%

Mount Pleasant, SC

$523

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$38.55

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.7%

Mount Pleasant, SC

$605

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$16.47

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.3%

Mount Pleasant, SC

$966

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$2.52

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,230

To$1,390

↓ $840

1 Bed

From$2,341

To$1,510

↓ $831

2 Bed

From$2,564

To$1,750

↓ $814

3 Bed

From$3,193

To$2,330

↓ $863

Mount Pleasant, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,310–$2,310/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,180

Monthly in Mount Pleasant, SC

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$888

Difference

Home Values

Mount Pleasant

Phoenix

$904K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +1.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +73.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$904K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 54% less expensive than Mount Pleasant

Calculate payment - Mount Pleasant Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$394

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

Mount Pleasant, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Mount Pleasant, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.