Discover the Cost of Living in Charleston, SC: A Homebuyers’ Guide

The reasonable cost of living in Charleston, SC, is just one of the primary reasons homebuyers choose to settle down in this area. The coastal charm, diverse restaurant scene, numerous attractions, nearby beaches, parks, history, and stunning views are also key factors in the city’s appeal. Considering a move to this beautiful city? Let’s take a look at Charleston living costs so you can better plan your future here. 

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

• Charleston Cost of Living Comparison

• Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Charleston by Neighborhood

• Cost of Living in Charleston, SC, Conclusion

Cost of Living in Charleston, SC

When it comes to the average cost of living, Charleston, SC, is roughly equal to the national average, according to Payscale® as of March 2025. However, living expenses in this lovely coastal city are about 6% more expensive than the rest of South Carolina, according to March 2025 data from RentCafe®.

If you’re interested in calling this delightful South Carolina city home, having an idea of the Charleston cost of living can be beneficial for budgeting before you move. As of March 2025, Payscale offers this overall Charleston, SC, cost of living comparison: 

• Housing: on par with the national average

• Utilities: 20% higher than the national average

• Groceries: 1% higher than the national average

• Healthcare: 14% lower than the national average

• Transportation: 9% lower than the national average

Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Charleston, SC

Home prices in Charleston can range widely, depending on location. Charleston spans dozens of neighborhoods and often encompasses nearby islands. Realtor.com® finds that, as of March 2025, homes for sale in Charleston range from $35K to $18.5M, with a median listing price of $645K and median selling price of $586K.

For those looking to rent before buying, the average monthly rent of a Charleston apartment is $2,028, according to RentCafe in March 2025. Apartments.com® reports that the average apartment size is 769 square feet, with a one-bedroom apartment running roughly $1,795 per month and a two-bedroom averaging $1,960 monthly in March 2025.

Other Living Expenses in Charleston, SC

Considering this overall picture of the average cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina, let’s examine several categories of living expenses that may take up the bulk of your budget, including groceries, utilities, and healthcare. 

Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Charleston

Whether you’re shopping for one or several people, grocery costs can be one of the bigger expenses for everyone. The MIT Living Wage calculator, as of February 2025, finds that a single adult without children will spend roughly $4,569 on food annually, while a household of two adults and three children spends about $16,337.

According to Payscale’s March 2025 data, here is a snapshot of the average grocery prices for some household staples:

• Loaf of bread: $4.02

• Gallon of milk: $4.74

• Carton of eggs: $3.52

• Bananas per pound: $0.73

For dining out, Charleston is brimming with diverse restaurants and popular bars. As an example of the cost of going out for a meal, if you’re planning a date night, Numbeo™ found that the bill for a three-course meal for two is about $132.50 as of March 2025.

Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Charleston

Downtown Charleston is a pedestrian-friendly area and ideal for getting your steps in as you go from place to place. However, you may also do a fair share of driving. AAA® reports that the cost of gas in Charleston in March 2025 is $2.79 per gallon.

While the city lacks a robust public transportation system compared to places like New York City, it does offer a comprehensive bus schedule. The cost of one ride on the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is $3.50 as of March 2025. You can also purchase weekly passes for $15 and monthly passes for $57. 

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Charleston

Charleston-area residents are conveniently close to a variety of healthcare options. For the last decade, the U.S. News & World Report® has ranked the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) as the top hospital in all of South Carolina. 

According to Payscale, in March 2025, the cost of healthcare is 14% less than the national average. PayScale’s data also estimates some of the average healthcare-related expenses to be as follows:

• Doctor visit: $120.66

• Dentist appointment: $99.21

• Optometrist: $110.51

• Prescription: $209.48

The cost of appointments, prescriptions, and general healthcare expenses can also depend on whether you have insurance and, if you do, what your insurance provider covers. In March 2025, ValuePenguin® finds that health insurance premiums in Charleston average around $400 per month. 

Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Charleston

Another Charleston cost of living expense is the price of staying connected—online and on your phone. Numbeo data finds that the average internet bill runs about $72.50 per month, and the average phone plan is approximately $64.64. For utility expenses, EnergySage® reports that the average monthly cost of energy in Charleston is around $203 as of March 2025. Of course, the actual cost of utilities does depend on your service provider and plan.

Tax Rates in the Charleston Area

Charleston homeowners pay some of the lowest property tax rates in the country, according to data from SmartAsset™ in March 2025. The national average is 0.90%, but South Carolina’s is 0.53%. The sales tax in Charleston is 9%, according to Avalara® in March 2025, which is the state, county, and local taxes combined. South Carolina’s graduated income tax rates for individuals range from 0.00% to 6.40% in 2025, per the Tax Foundation.

Recreation Costs in Charleston, South Carolina

From stunning views and historic homes, Charleston offers its residents plenty of things to do. A yoga class in Charleston costs less than $20 per person, according to RentCafe, as of March 2025, and a movie ticket is about $11. The cost of a ticket to the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston varies depending on the day, but a weekday ticket for an adult averages $35, with a child’s ticket costing less than $30 as of March 2025.

For outdoor activities and nature explorations, the Charleston County Parks and Recreation sells a 2025 Gold Pass for $90 per year that offers unlimited admission to parks, covering the cost of beach parking and numerous festivals and events.

Average Salary in Charleston, SC

According to Gusto®, the median salary in Charleston, SC, is around $57,110 as of March 2025. ZipRecruiter® offers comparable data, showing an average salary of $57,431 or $28/hour in March 2025. MIT’s Living Wage calculator finds that the salary to live comfortably in Charleston, SC, would need to average $26.05 for a single person without children and $27.74 per person for two working parents with two children.

Charleston Cost of Living Comparison

Before relocating here, it can also be helpful to compare Charleston, SC, living costs to those of other areas you may be considering: 

• Charleston, SC vs. Charlotte, NC: Charlotte’s cost of living is slightly lower, just 3% below the average cost of living in Charleston, per NerdWallet® as of March 2025, based on an annual income of $50K. However, NerdWallet also finds that transportation, healthcare, and entertainment costs in Charlotte are all higher than in Charleston. 

• Charleston, SC vs. Atlanta, GA: The cost of living in Atlanta is just 1% lower than in Charleston, according to NerdWallet, but transportation and healthcare expenses are all significantly higher in Atlanta.

• Charleston, SC vs. Houston, TX: Overall living expenses in Houston tend to be about 4% less than living in Charleston in March 2025, according to Numbeo, with transportation, entertainment, and healthcare costs slightly greater than in Charleston at 7%, 5%, and 9% higher, respectively. 

Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Charleston by Neighborhood

The average cost of living in Charleston, SC, when buying a new home also depends on your address. For example, opting for a historic home among the live oaks of downtown will differ in price from a home by the ocean sights and sounds of nearby Johns Island. Let’s explore the average cost of new construction homes in a few of the popular neighborhoods in Charleston. 

Summerville

Just 25 miles north of Charleston is Summerville, South Carolina. Affectionately referred to as the “Flower Town in the Pines” by locals, Summerville is a suburb of Charleston known for its annual Flowertown Festival. This event brings the community together, as well as visitors from out of town, to celebrate the area’s beautiful azaleas in full bloom. 

The average cost to build a new home in Summerville, according to NewHomeSource™, as of March 2025, is in the high $300Ks. Pulte® new construction homes in Summerville, SC, start in the upper $400Ks.

North Charleston

As the name suggests, North Charleston is a suburb of downtown Charleston. North Charleston is about 10 miles north of the tourist attractions and liveliness of Charleston, but it has plenty of appeal: It’s home to the North Charleston Coliseum, which regularly hosts concerts and events, and the Old Village District, with unique shops and local restaurants.

The cost to build a new home in North Charleston is in the mid $500Ks, per NewHomeSource in March 2025. Our new construction homes in Charleston, SC, start in the lower $400Ks.

Goose Creek

The suburb of Goose Creek is about 20 miles northwest of Charleston. The area has several lovely parks, including Wannamaker County Park, a close-knit community feel, several shopping and dining options, and quality schools.

According to NewHomeSource, the cost to build a new home in Goose Creek ranges from the high $200Ks to the mid $500Ks as of March 2025. 

Hanahan

Hanahan, a suburb of Charleston, sits about 15 miles northeast of the coastal city and has a perfect blend of small-town charm with the convenience of being close to Charleston’s restaurants and shops. This suburb is also home to the 70-acre Hanahan City Park, filled with sports fields, playgrounds, and trails.

The cost of building a new home near Hanahan, according to NewHomeSource in March 2025, is in the low $500Ks.

Johns Island

Johns Island’s claim to fame, beyond its breathtaking marsh views and proximity to Charleston, is the Angel Oak® tree. This majestic Southern Live Oak is thought to be more than 1,500 years old. Johns Island County Park offers trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities, in addition to the natural beauty of the creeks and rivers that cut through the island.

The cost to build a new home on or around Johns Island can range from the high $400Ks to $1.2M, according to NewHomeSource in March 2025. Our new construction homes on Johns Island, SC, start in the upper $500Ks.

Cost of Living in Charleston, SC, Conclusion

Now that you have an understanding of the average cost of living in Charleston, SC, you can see why so many seek out new homes in the area. Whether you’re looking for a convenient location with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and places to kayak and explore the Lowcountry, or you’re drawn to attractive downtown areas with history, boutiques, and dozens of restaurants and bars, Charleston has something for everyone. 

Explore new construction homes in Charleston, SC, today, or browse more Pulte blogs. 

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist

Last Updated: INSERT PUBLISH DATE HERE FORMATTED LIKE: 9/18/23