North Charleston

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North Charleston, SC

Area Guide

Welcome to a thriving community right off the coast

Coastal Industry University Great Schools

North Charleston combines city convenience with Southern hospitality, positioned perfectly between Charleston International Airport and the Port of Charleston. The area has become a major employment center, anchored by Boeing's 787 Dreamliner facility. Current rental rates average $1,410 for one-bedroom apartments and $1,571 for two-bedroom units, with rates showing a 1.4% decrease over the past year. Park Circle, one of only two English Garden Style communities in the United States, features tree-lined streets, local shops, and community gathering spaces.

Entertainment options include the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, which hosts Broadway shows and concerts throughout the year. Riverfront Park, developed on former Navy grounds, offers walking trails and waterfront views along the Cooper River. History buffs can explore the Greater Charleston Naval Memorial and the H.L. Hunley Museum, home to the preserved Civil War submarine. The Tanger Outlet Mall provides shopping opportunities, while Charleston Southern University campus adds to the area's character. With easy access to I-26 and I-526, North Charleston connects smoothly to downtown Charleston and surrounding communities.

Rent Trends

As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in North Charleston, SC is $1,379 for a studio, $1,428 for one bedroom, $1,587 for two bedrooms, and $1,827 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in North Charleston has increased by 1.7% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,428/month
695 Sq Ft
House
$2,600/month
1,471 Sq Ft
Condo
$2,323/month
833 Sq Ft
Townhome
$2,299/month
1,225 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in North Charleston, SC

Cost of Living

The cost of living in North Charleston, SC is 2.3% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in North Charleston is 1.3% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,379 - $1,827. You can expect to pay 2.7% more for groceries, 2.2% more for utilities, and 6.1% less for transportation.

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Transportation

41

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

26

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

45

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

693 Students

Pinehurst Elementary

Public

Grades 1-5

656 Students

Hunley Park Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

410 Students

North Charleston Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

302 Students

Pepperhill Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

448 Students

Charleston School of the Arts

Public

Grades 6-12

1,061 Students

Military Magnet Academy

Public

Grades 6-12

428 Students

Morningside Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

567 Students

Meeting Street Elementary at Brentwood

Public

Grades PK-8

1,133 Students

Northwoods Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

738 Students

Charleston School of the Arts

Public

Grades 6-12

1,061 Students

Academic Magnet High

Public

Grades 9-12

719 Students

Fort Dorchester High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,312 Students

Military Magnet Academy

Public

Grades 6-12

428 Students

R. B. Stall High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,952 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
  • North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
  • Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
  • Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Airports

  • Charleston AFB/International

Top Apartments in North Charleston

Houses for Rent in North Charleston

Property Management Companies in North Charleston, SC

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† 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 November 2025.