Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Arizona to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

AZ state flag
Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

SC state flag
Moving to

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

South Carolina has an overall price level 93.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arizona
100.7
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 6.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 25% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Arizona
95.4
South Carolina
96.3
South Carolina has 1.0% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
South Carolina
99.1
South Carolina has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.5 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
17.1 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 10% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
South Carolina
98.7
South Carolina has 1.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 30% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,672/mo
South Carolina
$1,272/mo
South Carolina is 24% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arizona
105°F
South Carolina
91°F
South Carolina is 13% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 23% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
South Carolina
63°F
Sunny days / year
Arizona
211
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 2.4% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 261% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arizona
43
South Carolina
37
South Carolina has 14% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Arizona
1
South Carolina
2
South Carolina has 100% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Arizona
10 in
South Carolina
1 in
South Carolina is 90% less annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaSouth Carolina report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in South Carolina than Arizona?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% income tax. South Carolina tops out at 5.21%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in South Carolina?

Most South Carolina residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons