The TRUE Cost of Living in Charleston, SC (2025–2026 Detailed Breakdown)By Brandon Bott — Charleston Realtor Since 2012

Dec 6

Charleston is one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast, but many people relocating here wonder:

**“What does it really cost to live in Charleston?”**

Some costs are obvious — housing, groceries, dining — but others surprise new residents. This guide breaks down everything buyers should know before relocating.

🏡 1. Housing Costs

Charleston offers a wide range of pricing depending on the area.

Average home prices (approx.):

Mount Pleasant: $750K–$1.3M
Daniel Island: $1.3M–$2.5M
James Island: $550K–$900K
Johns Island: $475K–$850K
Summerville: $350K–$550K

Housing is the largest cost factor — and varies dramatically by neighborhood.

🏦 2. Property Taxes

One of the biggest surprises for buyers relocating from the Northeast or West Coast:

South Carolina has much lower property taxes.

For owner-occupied homes, the tax rate is extremely favorable compared to states like New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and California.

🌬️ 3. Insurance Costs

Charleston’s coastal geography means added insurance considerations:

Wind & hail: Required for most coastal-area homes
Flood insurance: Only mandatory in AE or VE zones (X zones do NOT require it)

Costs vary by location and build year.

🍽️ 4. Dining & Entertainment

Charleston has a world-class food scene.
But — the cost of dining out can be higher due to:

Tourism
Coastal restaurant pricing
High-quality ingredients
Specialty bars & breweries

Most locals strike a balance between local staples and higher-end options.

🚗 5. Transportation & Commute

Charleston is spread out and car-dependent.

Costs include:

Gas
Parking (especially downtown)
Bridge/tunnel congestion during peak seasons

Mount Pleasant and James Island offer the shortest commutes to downtown.

🛒 6. Groceries & Essentials

Charleston has:

Publix
Harris Teeter
Whole Foods
Trader Joe’s
Costco (Mount Pleasant)

Grocery costs are comparable to other coastal cities but higher than the inland Southeast.

🏖️ 7. Lifestyle Costs

Many residents spend on:

Beach gear
Boats / kayaks / paddleboards
Outdoor recreation
Festivals
Events and nightlife

Charleston is an “active lifestyle” city — and most people love the tradeoff.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Charleston isn’t the cheapest city — but the lifestyle, climate, culture, and long-term value make it one of the most rewarding places to live in the Southeast.

📞 Thinking about moving to Charleston and want a neighborhood cost comparison?

Let’s walk through it together.
Call or text me at 843-754-9737.

Brandon Bott