How affordable is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? From finding a place to live to grabbing groceries, we'll walk you through a range of Charleston living costs in this go-to guide so you can get a sense of what you need to budget to enjoy everything this historic city offers. 

Summary:

• Cost of Living in Charleston, SC

• Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Charleston, SC

• Other Living Expenses in Charleston, SC

  • Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Charleston

  • Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Charleston

  • Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Charleston

  • Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Charleston

  • Tax Rates in the Charleston Area

  • Recreation Costs in Charleston, South Carolina

• Average Salary in Charleston, SC

• Average Cost to Build a New Home in Charleston by Neighborhood

• Conclusion

Cost of Living in Charleston, SC

The average cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina, can be more expensive than other parts of the state, with expenses roughly 6% higher than the state average, per RentCafe® as of September 2024. However, RentCafe also reports that in Charleston, living costs are 2% less than the national average. 

Here's a snapshot of the Charleston, SC, cost of living comparison for a variety of expenses versus state and national averages based on RentCafe’s September 2024 data:

• Housing: 24% higher than the state average and 2% lower than the national average

• Utilities: 13% more than the state average and 22% more than the national average

• Food: 1% more expensive than the state average and 2% higher than the national average

• Healthcare: 6% lower than the state average and 12% lower than the national average

• Transportation: 6% less than the state average and 10% less than the national average

• Goods & services: On par with the state average and 2% cheaper than the national average

Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Charleston, SC

Whether you’re searching for your dream home or your next apartment, here's what you need to know about what it costs to buy or rent in Charleston, SC. 

As of June 2024, Realtor.com® reports the median listing home price in Charleston was $725K, around $399 per square foot. The median home sold price was $712K, and homes sold for an average of 2.11% below the asking price, per Realtor.com. 

If renting is your preference, the average apartment size in Charleston is about 968 square feet, and monthly rents average $2,010, according to RentCafe in September 2024. Of course, this can vary based on the location and size of the living space.

Other Living Expenses in Charleston, SC

If you're planning to call Charleston home, let’s take a closer look at some of the city’s everyday expenses. This way, you can get a more complete picture of the average cost of living in Charleston, SC, and be better prepared to budget for life in this beautiful city.

Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Charleston

Stocking your pantry is an essential expense, and knowing what to expect in grocery costs in Charleston can help you plan ahead. According to February 2024 data from the MIT® Living Wage Calculator, annual food expenses for a single adult with no children are about $4,788. If you have a family of four with two working adults and two kids, you’re looking at around $14,072 annually. 

Here are some average grocery prices in Charleston, per RentCafe’s September 2024 data:

• A loaf of bread: $4.09

• A gallon of milk: $4.58

• A dozen eggs: $4.02

• A pound of potatoes: $5.42
  
  

As for dining out, Numbeo® finds that a take-out combo meal averages $10, grabbing a bite at a low-cost restaurant runs roughly $25, and enjoying a three-course spread at a nicer establishment is around $115 for two people, based on data from September 2024. 

Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Charleston

Getting around Charleston, SC, is pretty straightforward, whether you drive your own car or use public transportation. On average, transportation costs for one adult with no children are about $10K per year, while a household of four, two working adults and two children, spends around $16.9K annually, per MIT in February 2024. 

As of September 2024, AAA® reports regular gas costs about $2.92 per gallon, while premium gas averages $3.72 per gallon. If you prefer public transportation, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) offers several options. CARTA operates an extensive public transportation system throughout the metro area. Fares range from $3.50 per trip to $99 for a monthly pass, according to the CARTA website as of August 2024.

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Charleston

Health expenses are also important considerations when planning your budget. On average, medical costs for a single adult in Charleston, SC, amount to about $2,980 per year, while a household of four can expect to spend around $9,347 annually, per February 2024 data from MIT.

When visiting healthcare professionals in Charleston, RentCafe offers examples of some of those average costs. As of September 2024, a general doctor’s visit is about $134.96, and a dental appointment costs around $98.50. To see an optometrist is approximately $78.91.  

Insurance costs can vary depending on the insurance plan and provider. As of May 2024, MoneyGeek® reports that premiums from the most low-cost providers can range from $346 to $471 monthly. 

Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Charleston

Budgeting for essential services to keep your house humming is key to maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. On average, monthly energy bills in Charleston, SC, amount to about $265.85 as of September 2024, per RentCafe. For internet and mobile service, MIT’s February 2024 data finds a single adult with no children typically pays about $1,568 annually while a household of four spends approximately $2,147. These costs can vary depending on your service provider. 

Tax Rates in the Charleston Area

Taxes are often a significant factor in a household budget. In Charleston, as of February 2024, a single adult pays approximately $7,963 annually in taxes, while a household of four faces a tax obligation of around $12,541, according to MIT. 

Additionally, the combined sales tax rate for Charleston County is 9% in 2024, which includes the 6% South Carolina state sales tax, according to Avalara®. 

Recreation Costs in Charleston, South Carolina

Exploring Charleston’s abundant recreational options doesn't have to break the bank. Catching a movie costs about $11, while a yoga class averages $19 per session, reports RentCafe in September 2024. Personal services like haircuts and dry cleaning come in at $26 and $15, respectively.

For outdoor adventurers, the Buck Hall Recreation Area offers RV camping at $28 per site per day and tent camping at $20. James Island County Park has affordable bike rentals at $3–$6 per hour, a fun way to enjoy Charleston’s scenic views. Also, the Charleston County Parks Gold Pass offers unlimited admission to several parks and events for $90 annually, with discounts available for residents and seniors (Charleston County Parks, 2024).

Average Salary in Charleston, SC

As of July 2024, ZipRecruiter® reports the average annual salary in Charleston is $57,431, which breaks down to $27.61 per hour, $1,104 per week, and $4,785 per month. Median salaries in Charleston typically range from $40,224 to $73,890.

How much do you need as a salary to live comfortably in Charleston, SC? MIT finds that as of February 2024, a single adult needs to make $24.35 per hour or $50,649 annually before taxes. If you’re a household of four with two working parents and two children, each parent should earn $26.27 per hour, totaling around $109,300 a year before taxes.

Average Cost to Build a New Home in Charleston by Neighborhood

If you’re drawn to settling down in a brand-new home amid the charm and comfort of Charleston, South Carolina, here are some ideal areas to explore.

Summerville

Summerville, SC, often called the "Flower Town in the Pines," is a quaint suburb roughly 25 miles northwest of Charleston. The town is famous for its annual Flowertown Festival, which celebrates the blooming azaleas that fill the area each spring. With numerous parks and a growing selection of restaurants and shops, Summerville offers a special blend of small-town living with convenient access to Charleston attractions. 

The cost to build a new home in Summerville, according to NewHomeSource™ as of August 2024, ranges from the mid $300Ks to the upper $900Ks. Our new homes in Summerville, SC, start in the mid $300Ks.

North Charleston

North Charleston, SC, is a bustling area about 10 miles north of Downtown Charleston. As the state's third-largest city, it offers a range of amenities and attractions, including the popular Tanger® Outlets and the North Charleston Coliseum, which hosts concerts and events. The city is also home to the historic Old Village District, where you can explore unique shops and restaurants. 

The cost to build a new home in North Charleston ranges from the low $400Ks to the mid $900Ks, per NewHomeSource in August 2024. 

Goose Creek

You’ll find the suburb of Goose Creek, SC, located about 20 miles northwest of Downtown Charleston. Known for its inviting, community-oriented atmosphere, Goose Creek offers numerous parks and recreational spots, including the expansive Wannamaker County Park. The city is home to several quality schools and has a growing number of local shops and dining options. 

According to NewHomeSource, the cost to build a new home near Goose Creek ranges from the low $200Ks to the upper $400Ks as of August 2024. 

Hanahan

About 15 miles northeast of Charleston is the suburb of Hanahan, home to a variety of parks like the 70-acre Hanahan City Park, with sports fields, playgrounds, and trails. With its convenient location and peaceful neighborhoods, Hanahan offers a nice mix of small-town charm and easy access to Charleston’s amenities. 

The cost to build a new home near Hanahan, according to NewHomeSource as of August 2024, ranges from the upper $300Ks to the upper $500Ks.

Johns Island

Johns Island is home to the Angel Oak® tree, a magnificent Southern live oak estimated to be over 1,500 years old. The island offers a mix of rural landscapes, growing neighborhoods, and attractions like Johns Island County Park, offering trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities. 

The cost to build a new home near John’s Island ranges from the mid $500Ks to the upper $700Ks, per NewHomeSource as of August 2024.

Conclusion

We hope this overview of Charleston, South Carolina, living costs, helps you plan your move to this beautiful coastal city. Embrace the charm of the historic streets, cobblestone pathways, and warm smiles of the locals—your new home awaits!

Explore new homes in Charleston, SC, today or browse more Centex® blogs. 

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer