For a breakdown, use this cost-of-living calculator to see the Charleston, South Carolina living index. 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, of food, also influence.
However, goods and services, as well as transportation costs, are all lower than the national average. Charleston is South Carolina's most populous city and continues to grow, along with its cost of living. The average cost of living in Charleston is just over 12% higher than the national average. The beautiful beaches are just a short drive from downtown Charleston.
Once the main street in and out of the city, King Street is now the heart of the city's fashion, dining, and art scene, what it means to live in Charleston, South Carolina. Dozens of expensive boutique hotels, of course, reflecting the cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina, offer luxurious accommodations for tourists who flock to the district, and galleries, boutiques and antique stores offer endless options for window shopping. Don't miss Blue Bicycle Books, a cozy corner with regional authors and rare finds. When it comes to restaurants, King Street's wide, tasty, and ever-changing selection makes it nearly impossible to choose between fast-food and easy-to-go restaurants or elegant destination restaurants.
Try the incredible oyster bar at Delaney Oyster House, a true local treasure. And if you're looking for an unhurried late lunch after a day of shopping, head off King Street, just one block from Le Farfalle, a neighborhood gem. Sit on the breezy patio and savor the chef's classic Italian cuisine, with a Charleston twist, of course. In a city with as many churches (and cemeteries) as Charleston, there are likely to be alcoholic drinks at night or, at least, that's what the tour guides tell us.
Whether you're a believer or not, you'll be able to take a tour of the city on foot, in a carriage or by bus and you'll receive an enlightening history lesson. And who knows? You might also get scared. Outdoor living is one of the keys to the city's charm and one of the main reasons why so many people are moving to Charleston, SC. Be sure to visit the South Carolina Aquarium, home to more than 5000 creatures and home to events and special classes for lovers of marine creatures.
Another favorite destination is the 10-acre Waterfront Park, which overlooks the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor. There you'll find the famous Pineapple Fountain, Charleston's prized monument that symbolizes the Southern hospitality that Charlestonians are famous for. Charleston's world-class food and wine festival attracts thousands of guests each year in March. But every day of the year, Charleston's dining scene attracts foodies and newcomers eager for the best cuisine of the country.
In fact, locals insist that visitors can't leave town without trying the crab, shrimp and grits soup raised in Charleston and Planters Punch (created in the historic Planters Inn in the city center). Living in Charleston, South Carolina, places you at the heart of history. Get on a ferry to the place where the first shots of the Civil War were shot and take a tour with park rangers who know everything there is to know about the battlefield, the soldiers and sailors and the fort. Charleston is filled with unique and vibrant neighborhoods, offering something for all tastes.
If you're looking to switch careers to technology, Charleston could be a great place to consider moving. Public transportation isn't one of the charms of living in Charleston, SC. 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. However, living outside the city requires a car or the ability to use rideshare services.
Of course, urban residents in neighborhoods like Upper King or Harleston Village can walk just about everywhere. But for outlying areas, cars are a must. Some of the perks of living in Charleston, South Carolina, include a rich cultural scene, beautiful weather most of the year, and a thriving job market. The South Carolina voucher program provides financial assistance to eligible families to help them pay for child care so parents can work.
You can't deny the fact that living in Charleston, SC puts you very close to some very nice places. Charleston is located roughly at the midpoint of the South Carolina coast, in what is known as Charleston Harbor, an inlet in the Atlantic Ocean. Grocery stores in Charleston, South Carolina, tend to be more expensive than in other cities, and the cost of food is about 10% higher than the national average. 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.
When all of these factors are taken into account, the overall cost of living in Charleston, SC, can be expensive. With a little research and planning, you can find the perfect place to live in Charleston, SC and make the most of the cost of living in this beautiful city. The glittering port city of Charleston is rich in Southern charm, magnificent architecture and renowned food and attractions. Food plays an important role in increasing the cost of living in Charleston, though not as much as housing.
With so many attractions surrounded by Southern beauty, it's easy to understand why so many people call Charleston one of the best places to live in South Carolina. However, the cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina, can be worth it if you plan ahead and budget accordingly. From renting a truck to hiring a professional moving team, there are many options to consider when moving to Charleston, SC.
