Cost of Living in Charleston County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Charleston County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Charleston County ranks #2,244 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 29%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Charleston County, South Carolina
Charleston's housing costs soar above U.S. average
Charleston renters spend 21.4% of income on housing—slightly above the national 20.1% threshold—with median rents at $1,506 monthly. Yet Charleston's median household income of $84,320 exceeds the national average of $74,755, suggesting higher-earning residents absorb these premium costs.
South Carolina's priciest county by far
Charleston's $1,506 median rent towers 59% above South Carolina's $945 average, reflecting its status as the state's economic and tourism engine. With a median home value of $450,800—triple the typical South Carolina property—Charleston ranks as the state's most expensive housing market.
Charleston dwarfs surrounding county rents
Renters in Charleston pay $1,506 monthly versus $813 in neighboring Cherokee County—an 85% difference that reflects Charleston's coastal desirability. Moving inland or north cuts housing costs nearly in half while remaining within South Carolina.
Owners and renters both stretch budgets
Charleston renters spend $1,506 monthly on housing while owners pay $1,568—remarkably balanced across tenure types—out of a $84,320 median income. For renters, this represents 21.4% of income; for owners, the burden reaches 22.3%, both above comfortable thresholds.
Charleston offers opportunity at a premium price
If you're earning above the county's $84,320 median and value coastal amenities and economic vitality, Charleston's market rewards your income. Consider comparing to inland alternatives like Calhoun or Chester for similar quality of life at significantly lower cost.
Cost of Living Advisory: Charleston County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Charleston County is affordable. The median rent is $1,506/month against a median household income of $84,320, putting rent at 21.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Charleston County is $1,506/month, while owner costs run $1,568/month. Renting saves approximately $62/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $60,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $67,200/year. With a median household income of $84,320, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Charleston County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Charleston County sits 9% more expensive than Dorchester County ($1,381/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Charleston County
Rent Burden
21.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,967
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.3%
of gross income
The median home in Charleston County may be a stretch
Median home value is $450,800. Estimated monthly cost: $3,599 vs. your max of $1,967.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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