Housing in Charleston, South Carolina, is 4% more expensive than the U.S. average, while utilities are approximately 14% more expensive. When it comes to basic necessities, such as food and clothing, food is about 2% more expensive in Charleston, South Carolina, than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs about 1% more. Charleston has a cost of living rating of 111.5, which places it 11.5% higher than the national average and approximately 6% higher than the state average.
Housing is the most important factor in the city's highest cost-of-living index. The cost of public services and, to a lesser extent, food, also play a role. However, goods and services, as well as transportation costs, are all lower than the national average. And hospitality jobs continue to increase as more tourists and new residents discover Charleston, increasing the need for more hotels and restaurants.
With an area of approximately 115 square miles and a population of more than 155,300 people, Charleston is the largest city in Carolina in South. Charleston boasted the highest job growth in the country in 2024, with an increase of 7.5 percent from the previous year, and that has been the case steadily for the past few years. And while lovebugs aren't poisonous in any way, cyclists may prefer to keep their mouths shut during spring and fall rides along Charleston's many scenic bike trails and trails. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is the primary public transportation provider covering the Charleston metropolitan area.
But every day of the year, Charleston's dining scene attracts foodies and newbies eager for the best cuisine in the country. The city has 478 doctors per 100,000 residents in Charleston, considerably more than the national average of 210 doctors per 100,000 people. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority offers a free downtown shuttle (DASH) and a bus service around the city and to some of the beaches. When all of these factors are taken into account, the overall cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina, can be expensive.
In this blog post, we'll explore the cost of living in Charleston, SC, and the factors that contribute to the total cost. Among the most affordable grocery stores in or around Charleston are Publix, Save-A-Lot, Aldi, Harris Teeter, Piggly Wiggly, JD's Market and Burbage's Grocery. However, the cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina, can be worth it if you plan ahead and budget accordingly. From the cost of housing to the cost of transportation and food, it's important to know the cost when you plan to live in Charleston, SC.
For example, the monster known as Hugo hit the Charleston area in 1989, and vestiges of its impact still remain in certain parts of the city. Food plays a role in increasing the cost of living in Charleston, though not as much as housing. Owning a car in Charleston, South Carolina, can be more expensive, as the cost of auto insurance and gas is higher than the national average.
