Are you considering a move to Charleston, South Carolina, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Charleston, South Carolina is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina and help you understand whether $4303 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $5167.11.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
25.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
95.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
8.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
6.25 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.62 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.31 $ |
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|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.0 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.79 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.18 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.04 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.32 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
8.82 $ |
|
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
13.96 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
16.25 $ |
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|
Apples (1 lb) |
7.18 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.34 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
6.13 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
4.55 $ |
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|
Potato (1 lb) |
3.95 $ |
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|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.73 $ |
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|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.1 $ |
|
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.21 $ |
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|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.17 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
7.5 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
57.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.4 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
25.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.83 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
25000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22281.83 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
274.5 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
62.99 $ |
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|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
65.0 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
21.67 $ |
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|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
12.0 $ |
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|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1355.0 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
24250.0 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
48.17 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
45.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
76.88 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
93.75 $ |
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|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
2300.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1658.33 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
4500.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
2766.67 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
5785.6 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
3229.17 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
5167.11 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.76 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Charleston, South Carolina come to a total of approximately $4303. This includes an average monthly rent of around $2300 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $305 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1017 per month.
Living in Charleston, South Carolina appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $5167.11. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Charleston, South Carolina, you would likely need an income exceeding $5167.11.
In Charleston, South Carolina, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $5167.11, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Charleston, South Carolina is approximately $2300. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1658.33 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Charleston, South Carolina can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $816 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's a medium risk due to crime levels, weather risks, and national headlines involving a church shooting and protests turning violent. On the surface, it seems almost too "pretty" to have risks, but there's an underbelly to explore. Once you know the risks, you'll be able to explore in a safer headspace.
CARTA is the public bus system with a DASH route that takes people around downtown for free. Shuttles are available for rent to and from the airport, plus you can get a taxi or rideshare easily. When you're downtown, you really don't need any of the options other than DASH, as it's a very walkable town.
There's a low risk, but the average pickpocket or purse snatching numbers are around 15-20. Be especially cognizant of your belongings during big weekends or large crowds. Don't leave your stuff lying on the ground, even for a short time.
There's a medium risk here, with flooding being a major problem due to the low sea level (they don't call it "Lowcountry" for nothing!) Hurricanes are a risk from June through October, but the season really heats up starting in August. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible too.
About 25% of all robberies here happen in public places. The robbery rate is lower than it has been in the past two years. There's a low risk but a rising number of violent crimes. If you are unlucky enough to face a robber, don't fight back.
The military presence of Joint Base Charleston and the busy port gives Charleston a medium risk, but it also comes with extra security from the military and Homeland Security.
There's a medium risk of travel scams here, mainly on fake rental listings. Don't use Craigslist or shady third-party sites just to get a deal. Warning signs include being asked to wire money and a landlord who would only communicate via email. Use a local real estate company to find a legit listing. Also, if you want to buy a sweetgrass basket, cross over to Mount Pleasant to find a better deal. The ones for sale in Charleston get a not-so-sweet markup.
Women actually have slightly less risk of being a victim of violent crime when looking at the 2020 crime data. However, there are a lot of places to have fun here, so always enjoy the nightlife with a friend or with a known group of people. Don't walk around alone at night and avoid dark alleys.
Charleston Water does 20,000 tests yearly to check water quality, and the 2021 Water Quality Report shows full compliance with EPA standards. Be sure to follow the city on social media, as flooding and stormwater runoff can impact water quality for brief periods of time.
A U.S. Travel or Work Visa will cost $160 - $190. You should start the planning process early and follow all steps to make sure you don't get delayed in the process. Without a passport and visa, you can't enter the United States.
You can only use the U.S. Dollar here and don't carry much of that currency with you. Credit cards and mobile payment apps are widely accepted. The parking meters do require coins, so if you aren't getting a SmartCard, don't get caught without spare change.
The weather here is generally mild to warm, and it's a very casual town. Good walking shoes are essential because the city was designed to be walked, and those long beach strolls are going to take a toll as well. Bring sunscreen and bug spray. You'll likely need a rain jacket, so pack a waterproof shell.
Charleston International Airport is less than 30 minutes from downtown. It's the closest and best option for traveling domestically or internationally.
Travel insurance for all forms of transportation will help make this trip safe without having to pay the high price for accidents or incidentals. Make sure you know what type of hurricane reimbursement there is and what protection you have on boats, rental cars, and tours.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 59°F | 62°F | 68°F | 74°F | 81°F | 86°F | 89°F | 87°F | 83°F | 76°F | 68°F | 62°F |
| Temp | 50°F | 53°F | 59°F | 66°F | 73°F | 79°F | 83°F | 82°F | 77°F | 68°F | 60°F | 53°F |
| Low | 43°F | 45°F | 51°F | 58°F | 67°F | 73°F | 76°F | 76°F | 71°F | 61°F | 53°F | 46°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 15°C | 16°C | 20°C | 23°C | 27°C | 30°C | 31°C | 30°C | 28°C | 24°C | 20°C | 16°C |
| Temp | 10°C | 11°C | 15°C | 18°C | 22°C | 26°C | 28°C | 27°C | 25°C | 20°C | 15°C | 11°C |
| Low | 6°C | 7°C | 10°C | 14°C | 19°C | 22°C | 24°C | 24°C | 21°C | 16°C | 11°C | 7°C |