What is the cost of living in Charleston?

The cost of living in Charleston is 30.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 69.7). Groceries are 3.4% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 6.3% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 2,325 per month. Local purchasing power index is 139.2 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 SC, United States · #26 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Charleston?

Q: Should I move to Charleston?

Charleston, SC, United States has a cost of living 30.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 69.7). It is ranked #26 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 139.2 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

30.3% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-30.3%

vs NYC

USD 2,325

1-BR, city centre

139.2

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Charleston?

Cost breakdown: Charleston

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

69.7 Very expensive

Rent

46.9 Affordable

Groceries

96.6 Expensive

Restaurants

93.7 Above average

Purchasing Power

139.2 Very strong

Rent in Charleston

1-BR, city centre USD 2,325/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,709/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 3,553/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,623/mo

Save by going outside centre 27% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Greenville

SC, United States

CoL index 57.9

Compare Greenville vs Charleston →

🇺🇸 Columbia

SC, United States

CoL index 45.1

Compare Columbia vs Charleston →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Charleston after tax, in seconds.

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