Cost of Living in Charleston vs Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville (2025 Breakdown)By Brandon Bott — Charleston Realtor Since 2012
If you're comparing Charleston to other major Southeast metros like Charlotte, Atlanta, or Nashville, you’re not alone — these four cities dominate relocation searches every year.
Whether you're relocating for lifestyle, schools, work, or retirement, the cost of living is one of the most important factors. Here’s how Charleston stacks up in 2025.
🏠 1. Housing Costs
Charleston
Higher home prices but much lower property taxes.
Median home price: ~$630,000
Mt. Pleasant: $900K–$1.3M
Dunes West: $1M+
Charlotte
Median: ~$450K
Lower entry point
Higher property taxes
Atlanta
Median: ~$425K
Wide range depending on suburb
Nashville
Median: ~$540K
Similar growth curve to Charleston
Winner: Charlotte and Atlanta for affordability.
Winner for lifestyle + taxes: Charleston.
💵 2. Taxes
South Carolina has some of the lowest property taxes in America.
A $900K home in Mt. Pleasant?
Annual tax bill: roughly $3,000–$3,800.
Compare that to:
Charlotte: $6,000–$9,000
Atlanta: $7,000–$11,000
Nashville: $5,000–$8,000
This is one of Charleston’s biggest financial advantages.
🍽️ 3. Food & Dining
Charleston’s food scene is one of the best in the country.
Overall dining costs:
Charleston: $$$
Nashville: $$$
Atlanta: $$–$$$
Charlotte: $$
If you love great food, Charleston is worth the premium.
🏥 4. Healthcare
Charleston is home to MUSC, Roper, East Cooper, and multiple top specialists.
Healthcare quality is high, while costs remain average compared to other metros.
Nashville still holds the edge due to being a national healthcare hub.
✈️ 5. Travel & Accessibility
Charleston’s airport is clean, easy, and efficient — but smaller than major hubs.
Atlanta → Best for direct international flights
Charlotte → Massive connecting hub
Nashville → Growing rapidly
Charleston → Best experience, fewer direct options
🚗 6. Traffic & Commute
Charleston’s traffic depends heavily on where in the metro you live.
Worst: Atlanta (not close)
Next worst: Nashville (growing pains)
Moderate: Charlotte
Variable: Charleston — depends on suburb
Mt. Pleasant → manageable
Summerville → longer commute
Daniel Island → very manageable
❤️ 7. Lifestyle: Where Charleston Wins
Charleston is unmatched when it comes to coastal lifestyle.
Beaches 15–25 minutes away
Boating everywhere
Top-tier restaurants
Historic downtown
Year-round outdoor living
Warm weather
Strong sense of community
It’s a place where the lifestyle alone justifies the higher cost of living for many families.
🏁 Final Verdict
Most affordable: Atlanta & Charlotte
Best job market: Nashville
Best overall lifestyle: Charleston
Best long-term value: Charleston (especially Mt. Pleasant)
If your priorities include the beach, schools, community, and active outdoor living, Charleston usually comes out on top.
📞 Thinking about moving to Charleston?
I’ve helped hundreds of families relocate to the Charleston area since 2012.
If you want real guidance on neighborhoods, schools, pricing, and lifestyle:
Call or text me at 843-754-9737.
