South Carolina · Population 152,014 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Charleston
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Charleston has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 128 (where 100 equals the national median), Charleston residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,632/month while earning a median household income of $90,038/year.
The median home value in Charleston, SC is $469,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,688 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
South Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 6.4%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.57% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Charleston.
Common questions about living costs in Charleston
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