Cost of Living Comparison
HomeCitiesAffordableBest CitiesGet Help
Compare Cities
HomeCitiesAffordableBest CitiesGet HelpCompare Cities
Get Assistance
Estates Logo

The most comprehensive cost of living comparison tool for US cities. Make informed relocation decisions with real data from trusted sources.

Explore

  • Browse Cities
  • Affordable Cities
  • Best Cities
  • Compare Cities

Data

  • San Francisco
  • New York
  • Austin
  • Denver

Top Routes

  • NYC → Austin
  • LA → Phoenix
  • SF → Denver
  • Chicago → Dallas

© 2025 Estates. All rights reserved.

Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSitemap

Data: Zillow • Census • FBI • NOAA • BLS

SC

Charleston

Charleston is a mid-sized city in SC with a population of 135,524 residents. With a median home price of $503,998 (44% above the national median) and median household income of $60,021, Charleston is considered very expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 8.4x.

Home Price
$503,998
Population
135,524
Nearby Cities
Charleston
Housing

Housing & Real Estate

The real estate market in Charleston features a median home price of $503,998, which is 44% higher than the U.S. national median of $350,000. Monthly rent averages $2,100, 40% above the national average. Over the past decade, rent has increased by 74%.

Median Home Price$503,998
Monthly Rent$2,100
Annual Housing Cost$7,926
Rent Growth (10yr)+74%

Demographics

Charleston has a diverse population that represents a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and household types contributing to the city's vibrant community.

Population135,524
Median Age35.0 years
Household Size2.40
US Size Rank#177
Demographics
Economy

Economy & Income

Charleston offers a median household income of $60,021, which is 14% lower than the national median of $70,000. Residents spend approximately 42% of their income on rent annually, which may pose affordability challenges for some households.

Median Income$60,021
Unemployment Rate5.9%
Price to Income Ratio8.4x
Monthly Rent / Income42%

Safety & Quality of Life

514
Violent Crime per 100k
2494
Property Crime per 100k
3008
Total Crime per 100k

Climate & Weather

Understanding the climate of Charleston is important for those considering relocating. Weather patterns affect daily life, activities, and overall comfort.

RegionSC
Climate TypeModerate
Climate data helps residents prepare for seasonal changes and plan their lifestyle accordingly. Consider visiting Charleston during different seasons to experience the weather firsthand.
Climate

Popular Comparisons from Charleston

See how Charleston compares to other popular destinations. Compare cost of living, housing prices, and quality of life.

Charleston vs New YorkNY
Charleston vs Los AngelesCA
Charleston vs ChicagoIL
Charleston vs HoustonTX
Charleston vs PhoenixAZ
Charleston vs AustinTX

Frequently Asked Questions about Charleston

What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC?

The median home price in Charleston is $503,998, with average monthly rent of $2,100. The median household income is $60,021, giving the city a price-to-income ratio of 8.4x.

Is Charleston affordable?

Charleston is considered expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 8.4x, above the national average of 5x.

What is the population of Charleston?

Charleston has a population of 135,524 residents, making it the #177 largest city in the United States.

How safe is Charleston?

Charleston has a violent crime rate of 514 per 100,000 residents, which is near the national average. The property crime rate is 2494 per 100,000 residents.

What is Estates?

Estates is a comprehensive cost of living comparison platform that helps you compare cities across the United States. We provide data on housing prices, rent, income, crime rates, demographics, and climate to help you make informed relocation decisions. Our data comes from trusted sources including Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and NOAA.

Interested in moving to Charleston?

Compare cost of living with your current city to make an informed decision.

Need Help Settling In?

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming. Our relocation experts are here to help you find the perfect neighborhood, schools, and local services.

No commitment • Response within 24 hours