Cost of living -

All Your Burning Questions Answered About Moving to Charleston, SC

Charleston, the largest city in South Carolina, is known for its famous landmarks and historic sites. Charleston, SC’s attractions, and famous landmarks include the Ravenel Bridge, Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the Angel Oak Tree, and antebellum mansions. Moving to South Carolina provides you with a flourishing economy and a low cost of living. In Charleston, there are many job opportunities, especially in the medical field, the military, and near the port. Do you want to know more about this exciting city? Here are the answers to all your questions about Charleston, SC.

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Charleston, SC at a Glance

  • Charleston was founded in 1670.
  • Charleston boasts the first public college and museum in the U.S.
  • America’s first golf club was established in Charleston in 1787.
  • Charleston, SC is nicknamed “Holy City.”
  • Around 135,000 people live in Charleston
  • Charleston was called “Charles Town” before the Revolutionary War.
  • On average, Charleston experiences about 230 days of sunshine yearly.
  • The Port of Charleston is one of the top 10 container ports in the U. S.

 

What is The Cost of Living in Charleston, SC?

The cost of living in Charleston, SC, is 11.5% higher than the U.S. national average.

Is it Expensive to Live in Charleston?

Generally, living in Charleston is not expensive. The major reasons for the slightly raised cost of living in Charleston are:

  1. Charleston has one of the highest rental averages in the United States.
  2. Higher utility bills than the national average.
  3. Higher grocery prices than the national average.

(*Payscale) 

What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?

The average salary in Charleston is around $33,000 per year. (*Jeff Cook Real Estate)

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Charleston, SC?

The cost to live in Charleston is $2,650 for one person per month.

Expense

Cost 

Rent 

1-bed outside city centre

$1,400

Utilities 

Gas, water, electricity, phone & internet

$450

Groceries

Fresh produce & refrigerated items x2

$400

Entertainment & Leisure 

5 beers, 1 regular meal + 1 mid-range meal at restaurant, 1 cinema visit & 1 gym membership

$250

Transportation & Material Goods

1 pair of jeans, 1 dress & 1 monthly transit pass

$150

Total 

$2,650

(*Numbeo, Payscale)

How Much is Public Transportation in Charleston?

Charleston city operates bus lines and free DASH shuttles. The DASH trolleys have designated stops at popular locations, such as the Charleston City Market, Waterfront Park South Carolina Aquarium, and the Charleston Museum. Here are the different fare options for the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA):

Type of fare

Cost

1 Trip

$3.50

10 Trips

$16

40 Trips

$56

1 Day

$7

3 Days

$14

7 Days Weekly

$15

7 Days Weekly Express

$25

31 Days Pass

$57

31 Days Express

$99

(*Ride CARTA)

How Much is Sales Tax in Charleston?

The 2021 sales tax rate for Charleston County, SC, is 9%. (*Avalara)

How much does an apartment in Charleston, SC cost?

If you are moving to Charleston. Here’s how much it costs to rent apartments in and outside the city center:

  • 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre: $1,600
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside of centre: $1,400
  • 3-bedrooms apartment in city centre: $2,700
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside of centre: $1,800

(*Numbeo)

 

What to Do in Charleston, SC?

There are many activities to do in Charleston, SC, such as visiting the museums to learn about the city’s rich history, going on boat tours, visiting the beach, going on the haunted evening horse and carriage tour.

 

What to Do at Night in Charleston, SC?

Charleston’s nightlife is not to be compared to cities like New York. However, the city still boasts of many attractions that’ll keep you past your bedtime. They include:

  • The Bars! Head to Downtown to enjoy some of Charleston’s finest bars and nightlife. Examples are Edmund’s Oast, Prohibition, Stems and Skins.
  • The Dock Street Theater (America’s first theater), and other theaters showcase some of the best live shows on the East Coast.
  • Visit Charleston’s finest restaurants to enjoy some of her legendary foods and cocktails, such as fried chicken, oysters, and Planter’s punch.
  • Catch one or more of Charleston’s yearly festivals. The Jazz Festival in February, the High-Water Festival in April and many more.

 

Where to Visit in Charleston, SC?

Right after moving to Charleston, here are ten must-visit places:

  • The Battery
  • Charleston Boat Tours
  • Isle of Palms County Park
  • Sullivan’s Island
  • Folly Beach
  • The Aiken-Rhett House Museum
  • Angel Oak, Johns Island
  • Drayton Hall
  • Fort Sumter National Monument
  • The Charleston Museum

 

What to Do with Kids in Charleston, SC?

There are many things you can do in Charleston, SC, with kids. Charleston is one of America’s most historic cities, and it’s extremely kid-friendly. Kinds will enjoy the iconic Old South Carriage Tour, which could sometimes be a haunted walking or carriage tour. Take them down to the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens to learn about the history of Slavery as well as get to see some animals at the zoo. If they want fun and sporty outings, then they’ll love the Splash Zone Waterpark at James Island County Park.

 

What to Do in Downtown Charleston, SC?

With a rich coast and beautiful landscape, the Historic Downtown Charleston, SC, offers many fun activities from cobblestone streets to gorgeous beaches. Particularly, the food scene is a compulsory experience. Visit Leon’s Oyster Shop to enjoy some of the best Oysters and Fried chicken, High Cotton serves a great mix of classic seafood and meat dishes, and Halls Chophouse offers some of the finest steaks and cocktails. Go for a harbor cruise and catch views of St. Michael’s Church, Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and Fort Sumter. Also, ensure to take a few photographs with the city’s symbol of hospitality, the Pineapple Fountain.

 

What to Do When it Rains in Charleston, SC?

There are no bad or boring days in Charleston. There are still so many things you can do for fun, even when it rains in Charleston. Here are some awesome indoor places to visit when it rains:

  • Gibbes Museum of Art is located Downtown, and it houses over 10,000 works of art. It also features a cafe where you can buy soups and beverages.
  • Visit the South Carolina Aquarium, especially with the kids, to enjoy a view of the lives of sea turtles and jellyfish.
  • The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is a suitable place for children to have fun and burn off some energy. It includes an art room, a pirate ship, a water play area, and a medieval castle.

 

What’s It Like to Live in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, is a wonderful place to live with your family. It offers a suburban feel, with most residents owning a home. The beautiful weather, the great food, and fun places are some reasons why people find themselves moving to Charleston. Additionally, Charleston is a suitable place to find job opportunities, with the unemployment rate dropping to 15% below the national average. Charleston also has some of the best schools in the south, with The Citadel ranking as the top public university in the south.

Is Charleston, SC Safe?

Charleston is a safe place to live in. The city’s crime rate is 6% above the national average. However, violent crimes stand at 2% below the national average. 

  • Some of the safest areas in Charleston include City Center, Daniel Island Dr, Harbor View Rd, Parrot Point, Drayton, College of Charleston.
  • Some of the less safe areas in Charleston include North Charleston, Hanahan, West Ashley, Summerville, Harleston Village, Kiawah Island.

(*Area Vibes, USA Esta Online, Neighborhood Scout)

Is Charleston, SC a Good Place to Live?

If you want to live in the south, then moving to Charleston is the best choice. Charleston is one of the best cities to live in, in South Carolina. The city is known for its good standard of living, great food, and rich history. It’s also quite easy for young professionals to get a job and build a career in Charleston, SC.

Where to Live in Charleston, SC?

Here’s where you should live in Charleston-based on your lifestyle and preferences.

Lifestyle 

Where to live in Charleston

You don’t have a car

Downtown

You enjoy nature, kayaking and walks

Grimball Gates

You enjoy the outdoors

Harleston Village

You enjoy parks and gardens

Mount Pleasant

You love history and historical neighborhoods

The French Quarter

You like energetic nightlife and festivals

Upper King

Surfing is your thing 

Elliotborough/Cannonborough

 

What’s the Weather Like in Charleston, SC?

The weather in Charleston, SC, is delightful. Charleston is situated in the subtropical region, which means that it experiences mild winters with warm and sultry summers. The weather is one of the major reasons people find themselves moving to Charleston.

The average temperatures in Charleston during the 4 seasons are as follows:

  • Weather in Charleston in summer: 78° F – 82° F
  • Weather in Charleston in fall: 58° F – 76° F
  • Weather in Charleston in winter: 47° F – 52° F
  • Weather in Charleston in spring: 58° F – 72° F

(*Charleston cvb)

 

Does it snow in Charleston?

It rarely snows in Charleston. Meteorologists say that it may snow once every five years.

How Many Inches of Rain in Charleston Per Year?

Charleston, SC, gets about 48 inches of rain per year.

What time does the sun set in Charleston?

In Charleston, you can see the sunset from 6:49PM.

 

Where to Eat in Charleston, SC?

There are many reasons for moving to Vegas, and world-class cuisine is one of them. There are hundreds of restaurants in the area, where residents can dine on dishes from world-renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller, and Wolfgang Puck.

What to Eat in Charleston, SC?

Charleston is known for several savory dishes, including She Crab Soup, Shrimp and Grits, Cornbread, Planters Punch, Hush Puppies and Okra Soup.

 

Where to Eat Dinner in Charleston, SC?

Are you thinking about where to eat dinner in Charleston? Here are a few recommendations:

 

Where to Eat in Downtown Charleston, SC?

There are a lot of wonderful places to eat in Downton. Here are a few spots to try:

 

More Questions About Moving to Charleston, SC!

How Big is Charleston?

Charleston is the biggest city in South Carolina, with a total area of 405.5 km².

 

What is The Zip Code for Charleston?

Charleston has 23 Zip Codes with the main one starting by 294.

 

How to Get Around Charleston Without a Car?

The easiest way to get around Charleston without a car is with the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). Additionally, the Charleston Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) provides free transport in the historic district.

 

How Far is Isle of Palms from Charleston?

The distance between Charleston and The Isle of Palms is 17.5 miles, approximately a 35-minute drive.

 

How Far is Charleston from Myrtle Beach?

The distance between Charleston and Myrtle Beach is 98.5 miles, approximately 2 hours by car.

 

What to Know Before Moving to Charleston, SC?

Here are a couple of things you absolutely should know before moving to Charleston:

  1. It is more affordable than most other major cities in the U.S.
  2. There are a lot of job opportunities in aerospace, automotive, healthcare and hospitality.
  3. Charleston has a great growing community of small business owners.
  4. Charleston has an extremely high quality of life.
  5. Second Sundays on King Street are extremely important. Every second Sunday of the month, King Street is shut down to traffic to allow visitors and locals to shop, dine, and enjoy the main street free from vehicles. This happens between 13:00 and 17:00.
  6. Charleston’s people are friendly and hospitable. 
  7. Charleston has the kind of weather that allows you to be outside for most of the year.

Are you moving to Charleston, South Carolina, soon? It’s important to have these in mind.

  1. You’ll need a trusted Internet provider when moving to Charleston, SC.
  2. Don’t forget to change your address with the South Carolina DMV.

 

How to Move to Charleston, SC?

Moving to Charleston might pose some complications along the way, depending on where you are moving from. If you are moving from somewhere far away, you might have to rent a moving truck and drive your belongings by yourself. If you’d rather not go through all that, then you can hire a moving company to handle the moving. Plan ahead and rent a storage unit if you think won’t have room for all your things.

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Selina Cifelli

The author

Selina is a motivated marketing intern with a keen interest in developing engaging content related to moving experiences and city life. With a passion for fashion and traveling, she brings a fresh perspective to our readers. Her talent for crafting innovative written material effectively positions MovingWaldo as a trusted resource for hassle-free and efficient moves.

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