South Carolina / Charleston County

Moving to Charleston, SC

Thinking of making a move to Charleston, SC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Charleston, SC

Considering a move to Charleston, SC? This welcoming community of 153,672 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $469,000 and average rents near $1,675. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (63% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Charleston's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Charleston, SC

Charleston has a population of 153,672 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 72% White, 22% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
153,672
Density
1,270 per sq mi
Median Age
35.9
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
72.1%
Black
21.6%
Asian
1.6%
Others
4.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Charleston, SC?

The cost of living in Charleston is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 110.6. Median home values are around $469,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,675. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$469,000
Gross Rent
$1,675
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$610
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 7%
Cost Of Living Index
110.6
Grocery
104.2
Housing
122.3
Utilities
110.5
Transportation
98.6
Health Care
102.8
Miscellaneous
104.2

Crime

Is Charleston, SC a safe place to live?

Charleston is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 307 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in South Carolina.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
307
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,964
Crime Index
3,271
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 325
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

What is the weather like in Charleston, SC year-round?

Charleston experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 90°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 63% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
61°F

Summer

Min
74°F
Max
90°F

Spring

Min
56°F
Max
77°F

Fall

Min
59°F
Max
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches
49.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
63%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $78,926 and a low poverty rate of 13.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 52% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$40,750
Household Income
$78,926
Family Income
$98,200
Per Capita Income
$47,080
Income Male
$54,300
Income Female
$42,900
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Non English Speakers
7.5%
Rent
$1,675
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Public Transport Usage
1.9%
Commute Time
23.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.2%
Bachelors or More
52.1%

Education

How are the schools in Charleston, SC?

Charleston offers quality education options, with public schools like James Island Charter High School and Buist Academy known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including College of Charleston and Medical University of South Carolina. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
James Island Charter High School
Street
1000 Fort Johnson Rd
Phone
843-762-2754
Students
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio
15.5
Name
Buist Academy
Street
103 Calhoun St
Phone
843-724-7750
Students
470
Student Teacher Ratio
14.2

Private Schools

Name
Porter-Gaud School
Street
300 Albemarle Rd
Phone
843-556-3620
Students
1,000

Colleges

Name
College of Charleston
City
Charleston
State
SC
Distance
0 miles
Students
10,885
Name
Medical University of South Carolina
City
Charleston
State
SC
Distance
0 miles
Students
3,000

Healthcare

Charleston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MUSC Health University Medical Center and Roper Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people and 89.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MUSC Health University Medical Center
Address
171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425
Phone
(843) 792-2300
Type
Teaching & General
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Roper Hospital
Address
316 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone
(843) 724-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage
89.6%
Health Care Index
71.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Charleston, SC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $469,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. The market has seen a 4.0% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Charleston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$469,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,675
Owner Occupied Rate
56.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.0%
New Construction Rate
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Charleston handle vehicle services through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Blythewood. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
South Carolina
Department
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone
1-803-896-5000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Charleston, SC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Charleston, review the core fields on this page: population 153,672, median home value $469,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,675, commute time 23.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 63%.

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