Charleston, SC, US
Holy City with cobblestone streets, world-class food, and Southern coastal elegance.
Above Average vs US avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Charleston vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.5%
- Sales Tax: 9.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $68,000
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Population: 150,227
Climate
- Sunny Days: 230/year
- Summer High: 89°F
- Winter Low: 38°F
Housing
- Median Home: $450,000
- 1BR Rent: $1750/mo
Cost of Living
Charleston's cost of living index is 108.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Charleston | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 108.5 | 100 | +8.5% |
| Housing | 118.2 | 100 | +18.2% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1750/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,188/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $300 |
Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Charleston:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $105 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating (Gas/Oil) | $207 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $452 | Monthly estimate (including heating) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Charleston
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $2,100/mo.
Charleston Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,925/mo.
East Charleston
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,575/mo.
West Charleston
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,663/mo.
Remote Work Score
Charleston scores 115/100 for remote work readiness:
- Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
- Cost of Living: Good
- Climate: 230 year (Good)
- Quality of Life: Good
Climate
Charleston has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 38°F | 2.5" |
| April | 74°F | 53°F | 2.8" |
| July | 89°F | 64°F | 1.5" |
| October | 69°F | 56°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.5%
- Sales Tax: 9%
- Property Tax: ~0.56% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC, US?
The cost of living index in Charleston is 108.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Charleston?
The median home price in Charleston is $450,000. The housing index is 118.2.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Charleston is approximately $1750/mo.
Does Charleston, SC have income tax?
Charleston is in SC, which has an income tax rate of 6.5%.
What is the climate like in Charleston?
Charleston enjoys approximately 230 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,89°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.38°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.