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Cost of Living in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, United States · Population 734,681

▲ +0% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,328
Couple, monthly$2,425
Family of four, monthly$3,202

Estimated Prices in Charleston

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.93per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$47.70per meal
Cappuccino$3.58each
Monthly groceries (single person)$270per month
Monthly public transport pass$43.73per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$115per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$33.39per month
Fitness club membership$33.39per month
Cinema ticket$8.75each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$767per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$533per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,600per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Charleston is $4,134 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,328 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,727 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($533) represents about 40% 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

James Island

9 km away · South Carolina

Hanahan

13 km away · South Carolina

North Charleston

14 km away · South Carolina

Mount Pleasant

14 km away · South Carolina

Goose Creek

20 km away · South Carolina

Ladson

25 km away · South Carolina

Sangaree

28 km away · South Carolina

Summerville

28 km away · South Carolina

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 $1,328, placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $533 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $3,202 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,425 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Charleston is $4,134. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,727 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charleston expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,328 per month in Charleston including rent outside the city centre. That is 0% more than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Charleston?
A net salary of around $1,727 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 $4,134.
How much is rent in Charleston?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $767 per month in the city centre and $533 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,600.
Is Charleston cheaper than United States on average?
No — Charleston is estimated to be about 0% more expensive than the United States average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Charleston?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $270 in Charleston. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $12 and a cappuccino runs around $4.
How do transport costs in Charleston compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Charleston is estimated at $44. 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 734,681). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.