Here's what it costs to live in Charleston, South Carolina, based on the latest US government data. Renters pay a median of $1,632 per month, while the typical home is valued around $469,100. Households earn a median of $90,038 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 28. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$90,038
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,632
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$469,100
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
N/A
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,557
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,630
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,787
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,222
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
State Income Tax
6.40%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | N/A |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | N/A |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | N/A |
| ⚡Electrician | N/A |
| 📊Accountant | N/A |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
152,014
Latest estimate
Median Age
36.1 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
28.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Charleston?
The cost of living index for Charleston is not yet available in our database.
What is the median rent in Charleston?
The median gross rent in Charleston is $1,632 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Charleston?
The median household income in Charleston is $90,038 per year.
What is the median home value in Charleston?
The median home value in Charleston is $469,100 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Charleston?
Charleston has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Charleston?
South Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 6.40% and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology