Living in Charleston, SC
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

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• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Charleston, SC? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Charleston, SC

Prepare to be charmed by Charleston, SC, which has a steeple-studded skyline, colorful homes along Rainbow Row, cobblestone streets and a pineapple-shaped fountain at the Historic Waterfront Park. (Welcome to town: Pineapples are a sign of hospitality, btw!) 

When moving to Charleston, you can slurp oysters by the dozen, sail the harbor and spend Saturdays at nearby beaches – it truly is a place that encourages you to live out your best coastal life. 

As one of the best places to live in the U.S., this Southern city has all kinds of career opportunities in fields like life sciences, defense and logistics. Charleston has become known as “Silicon Harbor” because of all the tech companies expanding and setting up shop here, and this beach town is a haven for entrepreneurs. Charleston is highly educated, too, with the presence of the Citadel and the College of Charleston. 

Founded in 1670, Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina. It’s known as the “Holy City” due to the prominence of churches and was one of the only cities in the original 13 colonies that promoted religious tolerance. Today, Charleston is an exciting combination of history, hospitality and culture for the 163,469 people who call it home. There are golf courses aplenty, gorgeous gardens and fun ways to experience the Gullah culture (local residents who descended from Africa). When it comes to food, Charleston is a mecca for Lowcountry cooking and creative twists on Southern fare, giving rise to some of the country’s best buzz-worthy restaurants. The historic district is walkable and encompasses the City Market, King Street, the Battery and the French Quarter (yes, Charleston has one, too!). Mild winters, beautiful landscapes and an unmatched shopping scene all further contribute to the good life in Charleston.

Top Reasons to Move to Charleston

• Charleston is a coastal paradise where residents can enjoy a year-round outdoor lifestyle and easy access to beaches.
• With cobblestone streets, pastel-colored homes and a historic reverence, Charleston is a living history book.
• Known as a global culinary hub, Charleston has a world-class dining scene.
• Economic growth is booming in Charleston, with a stable job market and a thriving tech sector. 

Charleston is a historic gem perched on the South Carolina coast, where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean, giving it a stunning waterfront. It’s well connected by Interstate 26 and U.S. Route 17, making it easy to explore. The nearest airport, Charleston International Airport, is just 12 miles northwest of downtown, perfect for quick getaways. When you’re ready to roam, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Savannah, GA, is just 105 miles south, where you can stroll through the historic district or relax in Forsyth Park.
• Charlotte, NC, sits 210 miles northwest, offering the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
• Atlanta is about 305 miles west and is packed with exciting attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.

Summers in Charleston are hot and muggy, and winters are mostly mild. The azaleas bloom in spring, and autumn ushers in cool, crisp evenings.

At first glance, Charleston may seem like a laid-back coastal town. Still, the city has invested in infrastructure, technology and business incentives, making it an attractive destination for major employers and entrepreneurs alike. 

There are several major employers in the area, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Medical University of South Carolina, Boeing, Bosch and Mercedes-Benz, which account for the vast array of job opportunities in the city, ranging from tourism and health care to education and engineering. 

The cost of living in Charleston is above the national average. The median home value in Charleston is $488,936, and the average household income is $94,333.

South Carolina has a state income tax, and Charleston residents can expect a combined 9.0% sales tax rate in 2026. 

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Charleston was founded in 1670 as Charles Town and was renamed in 1783. It is the oldest and largest city in South Carolina, with nearly 350 years of history evident in its cobblestone streets, pastel-painted homes and significant landmarks like Fort Sumter and the ancient Angel Oak Tree. Its well-preserved historic district and ghost tours offer a glimpse into its colonial past. 

Living in Charleston offers many experiences, and this sweet Southern city blends historical charm and vibrant arts. Residents can immerse themselves in the city’s history through guided tours, explore Charleston City Market’s sweetgrass basket weavers and stroll through the curated Festival of Houses and Gardens. The city’s thriving arts scene features numerous galleries, historic theaters like the Dock Street Theatre and museums such as the Gibbes Museum of Art, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions.

Beyond its historical and artistic attractions, Charleston provides opportunities for outdoor exploration and family-friendly activities. Waterfront Park offers scenic views and leisurely strolls, while the South Carolina Aquarium is kid-approved. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum provides a glimpse into naval history, and the city’s numerous parks and gardens offer tranquil escapes. With ample shopping opportunities, a diverse culinary scene and a calendar of festivals and events, Charleston keeps residents entertained year-round.

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Charleston residents can capitalize on the city’s coastal setting and diverse range of outdoor activities. Beachgoers can enjoy the sun and surf at nearby beach towns, including Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Kiawah, Seabrook and Sullivan’s islands. Waterfront parks like Riley Waterfront Park provide scenic spaces for picnics, walks and bikes. For those seeking adventure on the water, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and fishing charters are readily available.

Beyond the beach, Charleston has plenty of golf courses, including Wild Dunes Harbor Course, which offers seaside play with views of lagoons and marshlands. An adrenaline junkie? Check out the Charleston Adventure Forest. Take the kids to one of the many playgrounds around town. Family favorites are Hazel Parker Playground, Gadsdenboro Park and Tiedemann Park.

Charleston is a culinary hot spot, blending Southern traditions and coastal comforts. The city has an impressive array of restaurants, ranging from upscale fine dining to casual eateries. Seafood is naturally a highlight, with several restaurants offering fresh catches, including Lowcountry shrimp and grits, oysters and she-crab soup. Local favorites like Home Team BBQ showcase Southern flavors, while spots like Park & Grove and The Grocery emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Beyond its restaurants, Charleston has a delightful brewery and cocktail scene. From rooftop lounges like Élevé Lounge to craft breweries like Holy City Brewing, there are plenty of places to kick back and enjoy a drink. 

Families have excellent educational options for finding the perfect school in Charleston. The city is primarily served by the Charleston County School District, one of the state’s largest and most highly ranked districts. For private education, Charleston offers a variety of religious, college prep and independent schools. And for residents in nearby Mount Pleasant, there are excellent options there, too.