Avg Rent
$1,850
Population
164,439
Renter Mix
46% Rent
South Carolina’s oldest and largest city, Charleston is nicknamed the “Holy City” because of an ordinance stating that no building can tower over the tallest church steeple. Because of this, there are no skyscrapers of any kind in the city, which has allowed Charleston to maintain its historic character. Home to a stunning landscape and award-winning restaurants, Charleston is truly the center for all things Southern charm.
History buffs revel in the many historical sites throughout Charleston, including the Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots at the Civil War were fired. Pristine beaches, the mighty Angel Oak tree, and the vast Lowcountry are popular with the city’s nature lovers. Residents adore the unique boutiques lining King Street, and the live performances at America’s first theater, the Dock Street Theater.
This community is host to various festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Piccolo-Spoleto Festival and the Wine and Food Festival. Residents have their pick of top-rated restaurants, including popular spots like Hank’s Seafood Restaurant and Husk, known for its locally-sourced Southern cuisine. Charleston is a popular city for tourists who enjoy the abundant attractions in this coastal oasis, from the South Carolina Aquarium and Historic Charleston City Market to Rainbow Row and Marian Square.
Although tourism is alive and well in Charleston, this city is also the perfect town for renters with its abundance of student housing, luxury apartments, and cozy single-family homes. Home to the College of Charleston, excellent public schools, several affordable neighborhoods, well-kept community parks, golf courses, modern amenities, and easy interstate access, this historic city has something for everyone.
Rosemont neighborhood backs up beautiful marshes and the Ashley River.
King Street shops, eateries, and nightlife are close by in Mazyck-Wraggborough, Charleston.
Stroll the scenic waterfront of Charleston's Battery.
Find unique Charleston style homes with breathtaking views of the Charleston harbor.
NOMO residents enjoy shopping popular name brand stores on King Street in Charleston.
Rosemont residents enjoy water activities for fun in the sun on the Ashley River.
Median Household Income
$80,020
Average: $102,901
Education
74,724
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
88,268
Workers Employed
Median Age
38 Years
Largest Age Group
30-39 Years
Approximately 17% of Residents
Under 20
22%
Over 65
17%
Housing Distribution
Charleston has more homeowners than renters.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of April 2026, the average apartment rent in Charleston, SC is $1,912 for a studio, $1,821 for one bedroom, $2,010 for two bedrooms, and $2,430 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Charleston has decreased by -1.1% in the past year.
The cost of living in Charleston, SC is 3.8% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Charleston is 4.2% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,850 - $2,552. You can expect to pay 2.7% more for groceries, 1.6% more for utilities, and 5.1% less for transportation.
Compare Cities
Five Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC
While finding an apartment close to all the excitement can be expensive, it is possible to work, play, and rent at a reasonable price. We’ve compiled a list to help you experience Charleston’s best without breaking the bank.
Steps to Take When Negotiating with Your Landlord
Nervous about negotiating? These helpful tips can work in your favor.
Can I Pay Rent with Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Paying rent with Apple Pay or Google Pay is simpler—and safer—than you think.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Charleston, SC is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
Limited Public Transit
Transit
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
Fairly Bikeable
Bikeability
Charleston Development Academy
Public
Grades PK-8
139 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
1,170 Students
Orange Grove Elementary Charter School
Public
Grades PK-8
1,167 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
639 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
632 Students
Charleston Charter for Math and Science
Public
Grades 6-12
547 Students
Charleston Development Academy
Public
Grades PK-8
139 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
1,170 Students
Orange Grove Elementary Charter School
Public
Grades PK-8
1,167 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
864 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,589 Students
Charleston Charter for Math and Science
Public
Grades 6-12
547 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,935 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
771 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
352 Students
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
GreatSchools.org
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.
