Average Rent in Charleston, SC↑ Rents rising 13.8% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in SC

Charleston, SC has rental prices ranging from $1,583/month to $2,653/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,644/month — 17% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $82,272/year, spending $1,644/month on a 1-bedroom represents 24% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Charleston Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,820/month, Charleston ranks #2 most expensive of the 38 cities tracked in South Carolina — pricier than 96% of all US cities in our data.

The Charleston Rental Market

The Charleston, SC area has a population of about 817,756 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Charleston, SC have risen by $221/month (13.8%) over the past year, from $1,599 to $1,820. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Charleston, SC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $65,760. The local median household income of $82,272 exceeds that threshold by $16,512, making Charleston relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Charleston, SC is $596,033, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 27.3. With a break-even horizon of approximately 27 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Charleston's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Rosemont ($242,676 median home value), Dunmovin ($325,600 median home value), Ardmore-Sherwood Forest ($326,115 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Charleston, SC Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Charleston?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Charleston

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.