Cost of Living in Charleston, SC - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,142 (excluding rent), and $2,945 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,788 (excluding rent), and $5,531 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.95 $17.95

$9.97 $9.97

$49.86 $49.86

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$79.7 $79.7

$59.7 $59.7

$249 $249

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.9 $9.9

$11.88 $11.88

Cappuccino

$5.04 $5.04

$3.06 $3.06

$7.14 $7.14

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.42 $2.42

$1.96 $1.96

$3.91 $3.91

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.32 $1.32

$4.09 $4.09

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.9 $5.9

$3.44 $3.44

$7.87 $7.87

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.94 $7.94

$6.95 $6.95

$9.93 $9.93

Milk (1 liter)

$1 $1

$0.68 $0.68

$1.63 $1.63

White Bread (500g)

$3.75 $3.75

$2.57 $2.57

$4.84 $4.84

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.22 $3.22

$1.72 $1.72

$8.82 $8.82

Eggs

$4.45 $4.45

$1.76 $1.76

$6.76 $6.76

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.9 $13.9

$8.78 $8.78

$30.72 $30.72

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.05 $15.05

$5.71 $5.71

$40.42 $40.42

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.03 $17.03

$11.07 $11.07

$26.57 $26.57

Apples (1kg)

$5.79 $5.79

$2.75 $2.75

$11.22 $11.22

Banana (1kg)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.12 $1.12

$4.5 $4.5

Oranges (1kg)

$6.68 $6.68

$2.25 $2.25

$18.08 $18.08

Tomato (1kg)

$4.02 $4.02

$2.32 $2.32

$10 $10

Potato (1kg)

$3.67 $3.67

$1.61 $1.61

$8.63 $8.63

Onion (1kg)

$2.76 $2.76

$2.18 $2.18

$6.56 $6.56

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.78 $1.78

$1.52 $1.52

$5.06 $5.06

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.87 $1.87

$1.27 $1.27

$3.92 $3.92

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.62 $7.62

$7.11 $7.11

$18.28 $18.28

Wine (Bottle)

$17.74 $17.74

$14.78 $14.78

$23.65 $23.65

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 $1.78

$1.7 $1.7

$2.82 $2.82

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.32 $3.32

$2 $2

$6.16 $6.16

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.96 $1.96

$3.92 $3.92

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$57.3 $57.3

$65.3 $65.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.91 $2.91

$4.85 $4.85

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.53 $1.53

$4.83 $4.83

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$20.37 $20.37

$35.64 $35.64

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.74 $0.74

$1 $1

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$32.7K $32.7K

$22.2K $22.2K

$40.4K $40.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.6K $24.6K

$23.8K $23.8K

$27.8K $27.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$141 $141

$80.1 $80.1

$301 $301

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.8 $54.8

$35.01 $35.01

$150 $150

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$73.4 $73.4

$50.8 $50.8

$107 $107

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$29.53 $29.53

$20.25 $20.25

$55.7 $55.7

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$18.1 $18.1

$14.82 $14.82

$19.75 $19.75

Cinema Ticket

$13.29 $13.29

$12.04 $12.04

$20.07 $20.07

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,313 $1,313

$990 $990

$1,981 $1,981

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.2K $24.2K

$16.5K $16.5K

$25.8K $25.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$49.68 $49.68

$20.23 $20.23

$101 $101

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$36.64 $36.64

$15.27 $15.27

$61.1 $61.1

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$94.6 $94.6

$60.5 $60.5

$131 $131

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$153 $153

$59.4 $59.4

$198 $198

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,577 $2,577

$2,034 $2,034

$3,560 $3,560

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,687 $1,687

$1,488 $1,488

$2,481 $2,481

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,414 $4,414

$2,676 $2,676

$5,608 $5,608

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,638 $2,638

$2,163 $2,163

$2,949 $2,949

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,656 $4,656

$2,737 $2,737

$6,923 $6,923

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,200 $3,200

$2,754 $2,754

$8,037 $8,037

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,603 $4,603

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 27, 2025

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Charleston, SC - Frequently Asked Questions

The Cost of Living in Charleston, SC, United States sits at a balance between value and coastal lifestyle. For travelers and long stays, you’ll often find favorable options in housing and everyday expenses relative to larger metros, with more affordable picks outside the historic core. Dining ranges from casual seafood shacks to elevated farm-to-table spots, and coworking spaces support remote work without breaking the bank. Seasonal demand nudges crowds and prices in popular neighborhoods, so shoulder seasons can feel calmer and more predictable. Tip: Scout a few neighborhoods near transit or campuses to maximize convenience without overextending your budget.

Daily life in Charleston blends coastal charm with practical choices. In housing search you’ll encounter historic apartments, modern complexes, and quieter streets that fit different budgets, with distance from the peninsula affecting space and price. Food options range from casual seafood shacks to acclaimed farm-to-table spots and farmers’ markets that highlight seasonal produce. Transport leans on walking and biking in the compact core, with rideshares and some bus routes for longer trips; parking rules vary by district. Errands are straightforward in most areas, though weekends near the market districts can be busier. Charleston, SC, United States living cost varies by district, so scout several neighborhoods before committing. Tip: Map a week of errands to see what fits.

Quality of life hinges on balance – proximity to water, walkable streets, and cultural amenities all matter. Build a simple budgeting framework by separating fixed costs (housing, utilities) from flexible ones (food, entertainment) and adjusting based on season. In practice you can save by choosing neighborhoods with good transit access, cooking at home several nights a week, and taking advantage of free or low-cost outdoor activities. Seasonality affects crowds in popular districts, so you may notice quieter streets in shoulder months and special events that boost energy. Tip: Start with a base routine, then layer in experiences as you settle.