🇺🇸 SC, United States · #23 of 538 cities · 2026

Cost of Living in Charleston

13.1% above the United States average

Ranked #23 of 538 cities · More expensive than 95.7% of cities worldwide

Compared to United States average

Rent Prices

Rent Prices in Charleston

Apartment City Centre Outside Centre You Save
1-Bedroom USD 2,322/mo USD 1,779/mo 23%
3-Bedroom USD 3,515/mo USD 2,555/mo 23%
Numbeo · 2026-03-12

Cost Indices

Cost of Living
+13.1% Expensive
Rent
+7.2% Average
Groceries
+21.9% Very expensive
Restaurants
+17.6% Expensive
Purchasing Power
-18.6% Weak

Living in Charleston: What to Expect

Charleston is expensive by global standards (ranked #23 of 538 cities). It is 13.1% more expensive than the United States average, based on 74 cities.

Groceries are very expensive, while dining out is expensive. Rent offers the best value, while Groceries is the priciest.

Local purchasing power is limited — residents can afford fewer goods and services than in most cities.

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