South Carolina / Berkeley 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 151,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $570,000 and average rents near $1,920. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (67% 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 151,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 52% White, 28% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
151,000
Density
1,230 per sq mi
Median Age
37.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
52.0%
Black
28.0%
Asian
2.5%
Others
17.5%

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 118.4. Median home values are around $570,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,920. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$570,000
Gross Rent
$1,920
Monthly Electricity Charges
$150
Auto Insurance
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$760
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 7%
Cost Of Living Index
118.4
Grocery
109.5
Housing
144.0
Utilities
102.3
Transportation
104.8
Health Care
103.9
Miscellaneous
101.6

Crime

Is Charleston, SC a safe place to live?

Charleston is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 510 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. 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
510
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,150
Crime Index
3,660
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 196
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

Weather

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

Charleston experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 42°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 67% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
42°F
Max
61°F

Summer

Min
73°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
55°F
Max
78°F

Fall

Min
57°F
Max
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches
49.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
67%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $84,500 and a low poverty rate of 12.4%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 44% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,000
Household Income
$84,500
Family Income
$101,000
Per Capita Income
$46,200
Income Male
$54,800
Income Female
$43,900
Poverty Rate
12.4%
Non English Speakers
9.5%
Rent
$1,920
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Public Transport Usage
2.6%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.1%
Bachelors or More
43.6%

Education

How are the schools in Charleston, SC?

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

Public Schools

Name
Charleston School of the Arts
Street
5117 W Enterprise St
Phone
843-529-4990
Students
750
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Buist Academy for Advanced Studies
Street
103 Calhoun St
Phone
843-724-7750
Students
670
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Porter-Gaud School
Street
300 Albemarle Rd
Phone
843-556-3620
Students
1,030
Name
Ashley Hall
Street
172 Rutledge Ave
Phone
843-722-2730
Students
900

Colleges

Name
College of Charleston
City
Charleston
State
SC
Distance
0 miles
Students
10,000
Name
The Citadel
City
Charleston
State
SC
Distance
1 mile
Students
3,700
Name
Medical University of South Carolina
City
Charleston
State
SC
Distance
1 mile
Students
3,000

Healthcare

Charleston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health University Medical Center and Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 91.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health University Medical Center
Address
171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425
Phone
(843) 792-2300
Type
Academic Medical Center
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital
Address
3500 N Hwy 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Phone
(843) 606-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
91.5%
Health Care Index
76.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Charleston, SC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $570,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Charleston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$570,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,920
Owner Occupied Rate
51.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

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 151,000, median home value $570,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,920, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 67%.

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