Median Home
$450,000
Rent (1BR)
$1,500/mo
Cost of Living
108 / 100
Unemployment
3%
Sunny Days
220/yr
Walkability
Somewhat Walkable
What It's Really Like in Charleston
America's most charming city with stunning historic architecture, world-class restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Charleston's food scene consistently ranks among the best in the nation.
Neighborhood Guide
Where to live in Charleston based on your lifestyle and budget.
Downtown/South of Broad
upscaleHistoric heart with Rainbow Row, waterfront Battery, and carriage-tour charm.
Avg Rent
$2,200
Home Price
$1,200,000
Walkability
High
Park Circle
trendyNorth Charleston's revitalized neighborhood with restaurants, breweries, and a growing arts scene.
Avg Rent
$1,400
Home Price
$380,000
Walkability
Medium
Mount Pleasant
family-friendlyEast of the Cooper with top schools, Shem Creek dining, and beach access.
Avg Rent
$1,600
Home Price
$550,000
Walkability
Low
West Ashley
affordableAvondale neighborhood center with more affordable options close to downtown.
Avg Rent
$1,200
Home Price
$320,000
Walkability
Low
Cost of Living Breakdown
Compared to the national average (100). Below 100 = cheaper, above 100 = more expensive.
Groceries
102
2% above avg
Housing
128
28% above avg
Transportation
98
2% below avg
Healthcare
96
4% below avg
Utilities
96
4% below avg
Best Neighborhoods By Situation
Best for Families
- Mount Pleasant — $1,600/mo rent
Best for Young Professionals
- Park Circle — $1,400/mo rent
Most Affordable
- West Ashley — $1,200/mo rent
- Park Circle — $1,400/mo rent
Most Walkable
- Downtown/South of Broad — walkability: high
Getting Around Charleston
Walkability: Somewhat Walkable
Charleston has moderate walkability. Some neighborhoods are walkable for daily errands, but most residents will need a car for commuting and larger shopping trips.
Airport: CHS
Charleston is served by CHS airport, connecting you to major domestic and international destinations. This is important if you travel frequently for work or want to visit family back home.
Jobs & Economy
Median Income
$63,055
Unemployment Rate
3%
State Income Tax
0-6.5%
Cost of Living Index
108
Top Industries
Aerospace/AutomotiveMilitaryHealthcareTourismTechnology
Major Employers
MUSC HealthBoeingJoint Base CharlestonVolvo CarsRoper St. Francis
Popular Routes to Charleston
People are moving to Charleston from these cities.
Charleston, SCCharleston
830 miles15.1hr driveI-95 North
Charleston, SCCharleston
2,858 miles52hr driveI-20 West
Charleston, SCCharleston
984 miles17.9hr driveI-95 North
Charleston, SCCharleston
1,215 miles22.1hr driveI-20 West
Charleston, SCCharleston
2,409 miles43.8hr driveI-20 West
Charleston, SCCharleston
731 miles13.3hr driveI-95 North
Charleston, SCCharleston
1,457 miles26.5hr driveI-20 West
Charleston, SCCharleston
2,798 miles50.9hr driveI-20 West
Charleston, SCCharleston
1,272 miles23.1hr driveI-20 West
Moving from Charleston to Other States
Route guides from Charleston, SC to every US state.
Charleston → CaliforniaCharleston → TexasCharleston → FloridaCharleston → New YorkCharleston → PennsylvaniaCharleston → IllinoisCharleston → OhioCharleston → GeorgiaCharleston → North CarolinaCharleston → MichiganCharleston → New JerseyCharleston → VirginiaCharleston → WashingtonCharleston → ArizonaCharleston → MassachusettsCharleston → TennesseeCharleston → IndianaCharleston → MarylandCharleston → MissouriCharleston → WisconsinCharleston → ColoradoCharleston → MinnesotaCharleston → AlabamaCharleston → LouisianaCharleston → KentuckyCharleston → OregonCharleston → OklahomaCharleston → ConnecticutCharleston → UtahCharleston → IowaCharleston → NevadaCharleston → ArkansasCharleston → MississippiCharleston → KansasCharleston → New MexicoCharleston → NebraskaCharleston → IdahoCharleston → West VirginiaCharleston → HawaiiCharleston → New HampshireCharleston → MaineCharleston → Rhode IslandCharleston → MontanaCharleston → DelawareCharleston → South DakotaCharleston → North DakotaCharleston → AlaskaCharleston → District of ColumbiaCharleston → VermontCharleston → Wyoming
Moving from Charleston to Metro Areas
Route guides from Charleston to major metropolitan areas.
Charleston → New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJCharleston → Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CACharleston → Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-INCharleston → San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CACharleston → Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TXCharleston → Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVCharleston → Trenton-Princeton, NJCharleston → Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CTCharleston → Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDCharleston → Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FLCharleston → Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZCharleston → Vallejo, CACharleston → Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TXCharleston → Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WACharleston → Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MDCharleston → Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WACharleston → Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHCharleston → Denver-Aurora-Centennial, COCharleston → Kenosha, WICharleston → Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
Moving from Charleston to Major Cities
Route guides from Charleston to the largest US cities.
Charleston → New York, NYCharleston → Los Angeles, CACharleston → Chicago, ILCharleston → Houston, TXCharleston → Phoenix, AZCharleston → Philadelphia, PACharleston → San Antonio, TXCharleston → San Diego, CACharleston → Dallas, TXCharleston → Austin, TXCharleston → San Jose, CACharleston → Jacksonville, FLCharleston → Fort Worth, TXCharleston → Columbus, OHCharleston → Charlotte, NCCharleston → Indianapolis, INCharleston → San Francisco, CACharleston → Seattle, WACharleston → Denver, COCharleston → Nashville, TNCharleston → Oklahoma City, OKCharleston → Washington, DCCharleston → El Paso, TXCharleston → Boston, MACharleston → Portland, ORCharleston → Las Vegas, NVCharleston → Memphis, TNCharleston → Louisville, KYCharleston → Baltimore, MDCharleston → Milwaukee, WI
Your Charleston Newcomer Checklist
A 30-60-90 day plan to get settled in your new city.
30
First 30 Days
- Update your driver's license & vehicle registration
- Register to vote at your new address
- Set up utilities (electric, water, internet)
- Find a primary care doctor & dentist
- Open a local bank account if needed
- Explore your neighborhood on foot
60
Days 30–60
- Join a local gym, club, or meetup group
- Try restaurants in different neighborhoods
- Find your go-to grocery store & pharmacy
- Learn the best commute routes & shortcuts
- Attend a local event or festival
- Meet your neighbors — introduce yourself
90
Days 60–90
- Establish a weekend routine (parks, brunch spots)
- Build a professional network in your industry
- Find a favorite coffee shop to work from
- Explore day-trip destinations nearby
- Start feeling like a local — give directions!
- Invite friends & family to visit your new home