Cost of living in Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, is a charming city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Charleston is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this picturesque city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $12 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $90, with prices ranging from $60 to $200.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $11.9.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $5 to $9.5, cappuccino $3 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $1.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.48 and $5.5, with an average price of $3.92.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.8 to $6.9, averaging $4.09.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.7 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $17.64 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.8 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.69 to $5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2 and $4, with a monthly pass priced between $57 and $65.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.73 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.57 to $4.97 per km and $20 to $35 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $3500, averaging $2450.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2500, averaging $1675.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2720 to $6000, averaging $4484.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2200 to $3100, averaging $2680.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2766 to $10763.91, averaging $6842.15.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2766 to $8072.93, averaging $4868.77.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $108.35 and $300, averaging $185.06.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $105, with an average cost of $75.36.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Charleston offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Charleston are moderate, with some items like fruits and vegetables showing a wide price range.
Transportation costs are relatively affordable, with public transport and fuel prices being reasonable.
Housing in Charleston can be expensive, especially in the city centre, with significant variations in rent and property prices.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages, providing a balanced expense for residents.
Conclusion
Charleston, SC, presents a mixed cost of living landscape, with certain areas like housing being notably high, especially in the city centre.
However, the city offers affordable options in dining and transportation, making it possible to manage expenses effectively.
Prospective residents should carefully consider their budget, particularly for housing, to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in this historic and vibrant city.