Cost of Living in Charleston, SC
Cost indexes, living wages, and fair market rents — 2024 Data
Cost of Living Overview
Overall Index
150.6
100 = national avg
+50.6 vs national average
Living Wage (1 Adult)
$66,271
per year
Living Wage (Family of 4)
$156,641
per year
Cost Index by Category
Housing191.5
Food118.8
Transportation137.6
Healthcare115.1
Utilities129.6
100 = national average. Higher = more expensive.
Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD1 Bedroom
$1,630
per month
2 Bedroom
$1,787
per month
The overall cost of living index in Charleston is 150.6, which is 50.6% above the national average. Housing costs are above the national average at an index of 191.5. A single adult needs to earn approximately $66,271 per year to cover basic expenses.