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Cost of Living in Charleston

Charleston, Illinois, United States · Population 17,062

▼ -16% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,110
Couple, monthly$2,021
Family of four, monthly$2,664

Estimated Prices in Charleston

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.13per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$40.50per meal
Cappuccino$3.04each
Monthly groceries (single person)$230per month
Monthly public transport pass$37.13per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$97.88per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.35per month
Fitness club membership$28.35per month
Cinema ticket$7.43each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$625per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$435per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,304per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Charleston is $3,510 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,110 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,443 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($435) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Charleston

Charleston vs New YorkCharleston vs Los AngelesCharleston vs ChicagoCharleston vs MiamiCharleston vs HoustonCharleston vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Mattoon

16 km away · Illinois

Effingham

52 km away · Illinois

Savoy

64 km away · Illinois

Terre Haute

69 km away · Indiana

Urbana

70 km away · Illinois

Champaign

71 km away · Illinois

Decatur

77 km away · Illinois

Mahomet

80 km away · Illinois

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Charleston

Charleston is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,110, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $435 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,664 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,021 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Charleston is $3,510. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,443 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charleston expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,110 per month in Charleston including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Charleston?
A net salary of around $1,443 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Charleston with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Charleston is $3,510.
How much is rent in Charleston?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $625 per month in the city centre and $435 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,304.
Is Charleston cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Charleston is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Charleston?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $230 in Charleston. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $10 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Charleston compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Charleston is estimated at $37. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Charleston are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 17,062). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.