Cost of Living in Charleston, South Carolina (Taxes, Housing & More) | modernized house (2023)

South Carolina is best known for its amazing food, coastal views, great weather and culture. One of the most well-known cities in South Carolina is Charleston, which currently has a population of 133,762. With all that Charleston, South Carolina has to offer, you might wonder how much it costs to live there.

Owning a home in Charleston, South Carolina can be expensive, with an average home worth of $343,243 and 61.1% of residents own their own homes. Fortunately, property taxes in Charleston are incredibly low at 0.48%, plus exemptions for those who qualify. Tenants typically pay $1370-2700 per month for rent in Charleston, plus an additional $147 per month for utilities.

There are numerous housing options and many neighborhoods that vary in price. Charleston is known as a safe city, and although it faces a hurricane threat, it has proven to be resilient. Let's take a look at the cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina.

Cost of Living in Charleston, South Carolina

The average home price in Charleston SC is343.243 $but it varies from year to year. South Carolina as a whole has a high rate of ownership, with Charleston at 61.1%. Charleston residents pay the average$1700 per monthhome ownership and mortgage payments.

If you decide to build your own home in Charleston, expect a big payoff.$175 per square meter. Homeowners building in Charleston, SC typically pay $350,000, which gives you 2,000 square feet of space.

Just like anywhere else, you can spend upwards of $3,000 a year on home repairs in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to mortgage and repair costs, property taxes are another factor in Charleston, SC housing costs (more on that below).

South Carolina house price comparison

Charleston (South Carolina) rental prices

Charleston rental prices can vary from1.370–2.700 USDbut it can cost less or even much more. Charleston apartment rental costs are based on location and floor plans. You can expect to pay more for living closer to downtown Charleston and less for living further away.

Floor plans aren't the only cost factor in Charleston rental prices, and neighborhood plays a big part. Charleston, South Carolina is spread throughout the area156.6 square milesand there are dozens of neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods, like Stiles Point and Riverland Terrace, are better than others, which is reflected in the cost of rent.

Utility Costs in Charleston, South Carolina

Utilities cost about $33 more per month than the national average, and Charleston residents pay$147 per month. This bill can be more or less depending on energy usage, and large homes can have utility bills of $195.50-60 $each month for internet bills in Charleston as well.

The cost of electricity alone is14.81% higherin Charleston than the national average in America. You pay 13 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity in Charleston, which contributes to high utility bills. The cost of water bills13-49 USDfor the average tenant or homeowner and up to $600 or more for large businesses.

Another recurring cost that goes hand in hand with utilities is garbage collection. Many Charleston garbage collection services charge quarterly fees betweenUS$ 30 e US$ 45. However, if you need to transport large garbage and debris to Charleston, it can cost anywhere from $75 to $600.

Taxes in Charleston (South Carolina)

Greenville taxpayers enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in the country, but the sales tax is among the highest in the country. When it comes to income tax, South Carolina has one of the highest marginal rates in the US, but the lowest rate is the lowest. Overall, Charleston taxes are above the national average in all categories except property taxes.

Property Taxes in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston ma 7^youSouth Carolina's lowest median property tax rate0,48%. You may also qualify for exemptions fromproperty taxesin Charleston, but there are conditions. Charleston residents age 65 and older may receive an exemption50 000 $the value of your home.

There are 3 counties and 27 cities in the Charleston area, all with the same tax rate. Compared to the rest of South Carolina, Charleston has a much lower property tax rate. The average South Carolina property tax rate is0,86%.

The United States has a national average of 1.08%, more than double that of Charleston. Notably, Charleston also offers tax breaks for residents who are disabled or blind.

Income tax in Charleston (South Carolina)

Like the federal income tax structure, South Carolina has a progressive income tax system. This means Charleston taxpayers are subject to marginal tax rates based on income brackets. As your income moves into higher brackets, the percentage of income you pay in taxes also increases.

There are six income tax brackets in total, zrates from 0% to 7%, with those earning more than $15,400 paying the most. The following square brackets apply regardless of application status.

Charleston Income Tax Bases and Rates for All Taxpayers

Sales Taxes in Charleston, South Carolina

South Carolina's base sales tax rate is 6%, which is the national average. South Carolina counties may also impose a "local option tax" on general sales. With an additional 3% from Charleston CountyThe minimum combined city, county, and state sales tax for Charleston, South Carolina is 9%.

Alcohol and Tobacco Taxes in Charleston, South Carolina

South Carolina's alcohol consumption and sales taxes are among the highest in the country. In addition to state and local sales taxes, the state also charges an excise tax of $2.72 per gallon of alcohol, 27 cents per gallon of beer and 93 cents per gallon of wine.

South Carolina's cigarette tax is just 57 cents per pack of 20 - one of the lowest rates in the country.

Gasoline tax in Charleston (South Carolina)

The gas tax is low in Charleston, but was last raised in 2022 to 28 cents a gallon, adding $26 a year for the average driver.

Cost of Food and Groceries in Charleston, South Carolina

If you decide to eat in Charleston, South Carolina, at least consider this.$14 per personfor lunch and dinner. Dinner for two at an upscale restaurant can be pricey.$60 or moreincluding drinks. You can save money on fast food at $7 per person, but buying groceries is the cheapest option.

You can find essentials like a dozen eggs for just $1.80 a dozen. Other relevant elements, such as the cost of milk$3.20 per gallonbut the production cost is lower. Apples and tomatoes cost $0.75 and $2.30 per pound, respectively, in Charleston.

Alcohol is at the national average and a 12-ounce imported beer at the restaurant is $2.00. The average bottle of wine in Charleston costs between $8 and $14. Be sure to buy alcohol before Sunday, as alcohol is not sold on Sundays in some areas.

The cost of education in Charleston, SC

The College of Charleston is a great educational opportunity and cost$32,848 per yearfor non-residents and $12,518 for residents. Another popular college is the College of Charleston, which costs on average$19,000 per yearfor students.

Private education is expensive in Charleston and the average is higher$6,700 per yearfor primary and secondary schools. High school can usually cost anywhere from $7,000 to $8,000 for private tuition in Charleston and up to $17,000. The cheapest private education option in Charleston, SC is$1,100 per yearat the Goddard School.

Public education is also available in Charleston and currently exists16 public schools. There are also free enrollment options for some Charleston preschools. If you need daycare in Charleston, you may have to spend as much as$860 per month.

Shipping Costs to Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston's transportation cost index is only slightly lower than the national average of 94.1 and slightly higher than the state average of 86.8. Transportation costs are another important factor to consider when determining the total cost of living in a given location. This includes costs such as fuel prices, public transport costs, annual car insurance premiums and flight prices.

The Cost of Driving in Charleston, South Carolina

Gas prices are quite low in Charleston and this is due to the low cost of driving. At the moment, the gas is not more than$1.80 per gallonin Charleston, but prices change frequently. Most drivers use 656 gallons of gas a year, and that costs money.de 1049 a 1180 USDper annum.

Car insurance costs are lower than the national average in Charleston of $1,360 per year. However, you can find car insurance plans for as little as $853 a year if you live in Charleston. The most expensive option is Progressive, and it costs money$1,380 per yearfor the people of Charleston.

The Cost of Public Transportation in Charleston, South Carolina

Public transportation is a viable option for keeping the cost of living low in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston has access to Amtrak, bus services, taxi and carpooling. However, it's worth noting that cab fares are quite high in Charleston.$5.00 per milewith an initial fee of USD 6-7.

Taking the bus is a great way to save money, and a one-way ticket is expensive.3,50 $. The best and cheapest option in Charleston is a $57 monthly pass and a weekly pass$ 15 e $ 25. If you don't take the bus regularly and only need a day pass, you'll spend $7.

You can access Charleston from 90 different cities via Amtrak andcheapest ticket is $10. Trains are not the best form of public transportation in Charleston unless you are coming from outside the city. Amtrak can cost as much as $579 for 12 segments in a month, and that adds up quickly.

Flight Prices to Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston International Airport is well known with an average of 324 flights a year. You can fly directly to Charleston with American Airlines, Southwest, United and Alaska Airlines. You can currently fly from St. Louis to Charleston153-520 USDor $89 refund for tickets purchased well in advance.

Another option is the Charleston Executive Airport on John's Island, South Carolina. This is 7 miles outside of Charleston but still in Charleston County. However, it is quite expensive and starts with$1,350 per hourfor flights.

The Cost of Entertainment in Charleston, South Carolina

expect to pay$13 per personfor average fun in Charleston. This average comes from movie tickets, theater tickets, museums and various excursions. Movie tickets alone are $11 in Charleston, South Carolina, with no additional costs like food and beverage.

Historic tours are many entertainment options in Charleston due to the city's historical importance. Museums are also quite popular, but the most fun option for kids would be the South Carolina Aquarium.

Related questions

Is Charleston, South Carolina a good place to live?

Yes, Charleston, South Carolina is a good place to live and also has a low crime rate. There are 16 options for public schools, many bars and restaurants, affordable grocery stores and cheap rent. Most residents of Charleston, South Carolina are homeowners, and the city is known for being a comfortable, family-friendly city.

Are there hurricanes in Charleston, South Carolina?

Charleston, South Carolina has hurricanes that usually occur between June and November. South Carolina is considered one of the most hurricane-prone states due to the number of coastal cities. Occasionally, when hurricanes pass through Charleston, strong winds and heavy rain still hit the city, leading to flooding anyway.

Is Charleston, South Carolina safe?

Yes, Charleston is safe, but there's one more thing.1 em 39 chancesabout a crime committed against you. Due to its population density, crime in Charleston is 43% higher than in the rest of South Carolina. The most dangerous areas in Charleston are Meyers and Dupont Station, but these are small parts of Charleston and they are safe.

Does it snow in Charleston, South Carolina?

No, it doesn't snow in Charleston, but it makes up for it with rain year-round. Up to 48 inches of rain can be expected in Charleston each year. Winter is considered mild in Charleston and rarely falls.43 terrible Fahrenheit.

Is it expensive to live in Charleston, South Carolina?

Charleston, South Carolina is an affordable city with relatively low costs.maintenance costs. The median home value is $343,243 and over 61% of residents are homeowners. Average rental costs1.370–2.700 USDin Charleston with an additional cost of $147 a month in utilities at least.

Natural gas is cheap$1.80 per gallonin Charleston, South Carolina, and you can spend anywhere from $1,049 to $1,180 a year on gas. There are also many public transportation options in Charleston, South Carolina, but the most economical option is the bus.

You can save money on education through public education in Charleston or pay an average of $6,700 for public education. Prestigious colleges like the College of Charleston are great education options and cost $32,848 per year for non-residents. Living in Charleston, South Carolina is affordable, fun and full of great entertainment and educational opportunities.

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