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.
Charleston's Angel Oak Tree is at least 500 years old
Historic street in Charleston
Fountain in Charleston's Waterfront Park
A dolphin swims past the lighthouse on nearby Morris Island
As of March 2025, the average apartment rent in Charleston, SC is $1,892 for a studio, $1,781 for one bedroom, $1,960 for two bedrooms, and $2,182 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Charleston has increased by 0.9% in the past year.
The cost of living in Charleston, SC is 0.1% higher than the national average. Generally, housing in Charleston is 0.4% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,781 - $2,182. You can expect to pay 1.3% more for groceries, 20.2% more for utilities, and 8.6% less for transportation.
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.
Somewhat Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.
Some Transit
out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.
Public
Grades PK-5
639 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
273 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
1,170 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
612 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
363 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
273 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
1,170 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
363 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
864 Students
C. E. Williams Middle School For Creative & Scient
Public
Grades 6-8
1,172 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
771 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,935 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
352 Students
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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 2025.
