Cost of Living in Charleston County, SC
Population 420,264 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Charleston County, SC is $1,620/month, 37% higher than the South Carolina median and 15% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $489,100, 47% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $88,494 a year, 28% higher than the state median.
Affordability
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Charleston County vs. South Carolina vs. U.S.
| Charleston County | South Carolina | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,620 | $1,180 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $489,100 | $259,000 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $88,494 | $69,324 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 63.9% | 71.9% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 50.3% | 32.1% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 11.3% | 14.1% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.9% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 17.7% | 11.5% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 39.2 | 40.2 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Charleston County, SC?
The median gross rent in Charleston County, SC is $1,620 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Charleston County, SC?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $64,800 a year in gross income.
Is Charleston County, SC expensive to live in?
Rent there is 15% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 5.5 times the median household income.
Other counties in South Carolina
Counties with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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