Moving to Charleston, SC: Here’s the Lowdown on this Lowcountry Gem

Few cities can match the charm of Charleston: A mix of rich history that flavors the streets, shops, and people, and a vibrant influx of growth and innovation that keeps this Lowcountry city fresh and lively. If you’re thinking of moving to Charleston, SC, read on for details to consider first — including neighborhoods (and restaurants!) to check out, the cost of relocating, and where to find that storied Southern hospitality. 

Planning a move to Charleston, SC? Start by getting a quote from PODS.

About Charleston, SC

From a bustling vibe in the historic district to the less-touristy but still busy ’burbs, Charleston can sometimes feel like a few cities in one. Cobblestone streets snake through Downtown, where King Street galleries and upscale shops share real estate with boutique hotels and some of the best dining in the Southeast. Architectural gems appear on nearly every corner, along with colorful residences and the historic treasures that draw visitors from around the world. Near Charleston Harbor, in the neighborhood known as the Battery, elegant mansions sit high along the waterfront, with South Carolina’s signature palms lining the boulevards like stately sentries.

Quick Facts About Charleston:

• Population:155,400
• Median age: 36
• Median home income: $90,038
• Average home value: $572,800
• Average rent: $2,050

Did You Know? Charleston is nicknamed “The Holy City” because of the many steeples that stretch atop the skyline in every direction — a visual representation of the city's history as a place of religious tolerance and diversity.

11 Things To Know About Living in Charleston, SC, Before Moving Here

If you’re considering moving to Charleston, SC, here are 11 things you need to know — from costs to creatives to the beautiful architecture. 

1. Charleston Is a Bit More Expensive Than the Average U.S. City

If you’re moving to Charleston, SC, keep in mind that the cost of living is 12 percent higher than the national average, according to BestPlaces.net, and a whopping 25.4 percent higher than the rest of South Carolina. Housing drives that differential, at around 32 percent more than the national average. And typical home values are rising, as well, to more than $572,800 in March 2025 (an increase of almost 4 percent from 2024). As for everything else, groceries are about 5 percent more expensive, and utilities are a negligible 1.6 percent. (Thanks, mild winters!)

2. The Standard Living Wage in Charleston, SC, Is Slightly Higher Than Average

As of April 2025, the living wage for a single person in Charleston is $26.05 an hour. For two adults in one household, both working, each needs to make $16.94 per house. And in households with two adults and two children, that number goes up to $27.74. 

Of course, different occupations have widely varying salaries — a hospitality associate in Charleston will make a lot less than a psychiatrist, for instance. Add to that all the different lifestyle choices and standards of living each individual and family brings to the equation. But we’ve found that researching is the answer if you’re moving to Charleston, SC: Find the area where you want to live, take a look at average salaries in your field, and do some budgeting to find your best fit. 

Q: What Salary Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Charleston, SC? A: The answer depends, of course, on your definition of “comfortably,” which has dozens of variables. But economists have a formula for this: The 50/30/20 budget rule, which means that if you can devote 50 percent of your income to needs, 30 percent to wants, and 20 percent to paying down debt and/or saving for the future, you are (by definition) living comfortably. So for a single person, a comfortable salary in Charleston would be $108,368 (equivalent to earning twice the living wage).

3. Charleston’s Economy Is Anchored in Tourism But Powered By Innovation 

Tourism is the biggest moneymaker in the city, but a dedicated effort to diversify the economy has also been largely successful — another reason new residents are moving to Charleston, SC. In 2025, the labor force in the Charleston region is projected to grow to 450,100, a 25.2 percent increase over the past decade, according to the Charleston Regional Development Association, with employment growing at a 3.6 percent clip through 2025. 

Healthcare, automotive, defense, and technology reign as top industries in the region, with the busy Port of Charleston serving as a key driver for the economic engine of the state. Several colleges and universities also call Charleston home, bolstering innovation and research opportunities.

Gorgeous flowers in the springtime are a hallmark of living in Charleston, SC.

 

4. Moving to Charleston, SC, Means Sultry Summers and Mild Winters 

If you’re asking yourself, “Should I move to Charleston, SC?” you need to consider the weather. Mild winters and hot, humid summers characterize Charleston weather — with the occasional threat of a tropical disturbance barreling into town. Reminders of 1989’s monster Hurricane Hugo remain. But the damages and danger are easy to forget on a breezy summer day on one of the area’s half-dozen nearby barrier islands, with historic lighthouses dotting the shore and beachy villages offering a laid-back vacation atmosphere year-round. 

Like most Southeastern U.S. destinations, Charleston measures the most rain during late summer, with thunderstorms rolling in like clockwork on most afternoons, for a total of about 50 inches a year. Temps can get downright toasty in the summer, reaching into the high 80s and low 90s. But all is forgiven in spring, when fragrant magnolias and jasmine scent the air and azaleas light up the city’s downtown courtyards and boulevards with their bright blooms.

Q: Is Charleston, SC, a Good Place to Move? A: If you enjoy history, the arts, and an active outdoor lifestyle, moving to Charleston is absolutely a good idea. And as we’ve detailed here, experts agree. But if hot weather isn’t your thing, you might want to consider a destination a bit farther north. Charleston summers can be brutal, and they’re only getting worse. Still, that nice sea breeze off the Atlantic can be a lifesaver if you can spend time at Charleston’s beautiful beaches.

5. Charleston Offers Plenty of Attractions for Beach Lovers, History Buffs, and Foodies 

Living in Charleston, SC, you’ll never lack interesting things to do. Whether you prefer history, wildlife, shopping, or the arts, here are just a few ideas to check out:

1. Charleston Aquarium (South Carolina Aquarium): Home to 5,000 creatures — from loggerhead sea turtles, the state’s official reptile, to flocks of coastal birds and a dizzying collection of sharks and other sea critters.
2. Fort Sumter: The site of the first shots of the Civil War. Go September 28, 2025, for the 31st annual National Public Lands Day, honoring national parks with a day of volunteer service nationwide.
3. Charleston Culinary Tour: The tastiest way to see the city. Options include a 2.5-hour Downtown tasting tour, a just-desserts excursion, and a bars-and-taprooms expedition.
4. Charleston Museum: An impressive masterworks collection for a deep dive into Lowcountry history.
5. Charleston City Market: The usual touristy tchotchkes but also handmade treasures like Charleston’s signature sweetgrass baskets woven by Gullah artisans, descendants of West African slaves brought to the region in the 1500s.
6. The Beaches: Some of the most beautiful coastline in the U.S., plus fun beach towns for apres-sun shopping and margaritas.
7. Ghost City Tours: Lanterns are the only light guiding you on these chilling strolls through the city streets. You’ll visit haunted sites and hear stories from local experts who know all the deep, dark secrets.

Beautiful Folly Beach is just a quick drive from Downtown, and one of the perks you can look forward to if you’re moving to Charleston, SC. 

6. Lush Parks and Breezy Beaches Are Abundant in Charleston

Charleston’s beaches are legendary — not just for their place in history books as sites of Civil War battles, but for their soft sand, gorgeous surf-ready waves, and bounty of family recreation. Kiawah Island, site of world-class golfing and a top choice for retirees, is among the area’s preferred destinations, along with Isle of Palms, SC, and Sullivan’s Island. The Charleston area also boasts some of the most beautiful parks you’ll find just about anywhere in the U.S. Here are a few of our favorite destinations for outdoor fun: 

White Point Garden

The city is dotted with green spaces, including White Point Garden, which occupies about six lush harborside acres near the Battery neighborhood. Founded as a Civil War artillery battery (hence the name of the famous neighborhood: The Battery), the park today is a peaceful home to flower-lined pathways, monuments, and a pavilion, all shaded by sprawling oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Visitors and tourists alike enjoy strolling, picnicking, and soaking up views of the nearby colorful mansions.   

Joe Riley Waterfront Park

Another beauty, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, welcomes guests to a covered pier, swings, and an esplanade along the Cooper River. Behind the park’s famous “Pineapple” fountain, you’ll find the entrance to the City Gallery, a contemporary art haven featuring the works of local, regional, and international artists (call ahead; the gallery closes sometimes for new installations).

Folly Beach

Folly Beach, SC, just under a half-hour from Downtown, is a favorite barrier island playground for out-of-state visitors and locals alike — and it’s close enough for Charleston-proper residents to make it a regular destination. Folly fits the bill as a true beach town, with charming independent eateries, shops, and open-air bars that create a celebratory atmosphere year-round. And annual festivals add to the fun — the Bill Murray Polar Bear Plunge, in honor of one of Charleston’s most famous residents, is a can’t-miss New Year’s Day tradition. (Is Charleston a good place to live? Just ask Bill Murray.)

Q: Why Do People Move to Charleston, South Carolina? A: New residents are drawn to Charleston by its rich history, beautiful landscape, and thriving dining scene. Travel & Leisure readers have voted it the best city in the U.S. for 12 consecutive years. And U.S. News and World Report agrees, naming it lucky No. 13 in the nation for both the best place to live and the best place to retire to in 2025. So if you’re moving to Charleston, SC, you’ll never run out of things to see and do — and if doing nothing is more your style, there are plenty of quiet beaches and parks where you can do that, too.

Charleston has more than its fair share of culture, music, and art.  
(Source: Dylan Mullins via Unsplash)

7. Charleston’s Creative Community Is Thriving 

A lively local arts scene features local galleries, museums, and independent theater companies. Major music venues include the Gaillard Center, home to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and Broadway tours. The Charleston Music Hall and smaller clubs and bars like the Pour House are popular spots for national bands and local favorites. 

The world-famous Spoleto Festival draws the international arts community every year for visual exhibitions, theater, music, and more in a 17-day, 120-event city-wide celebration. In fact, since 1977, visitors have come from around the globe for Spoleto, which is patterned after the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. Guests through the years have included hundreds of performers, from Yo-Yo Ma to Renee Fleming, Nathaniel Raitliff and the Nightsweats to Brandi Carlile. 

And among the culinary arts elite, chefs and experts worldwide recognize that a top dining destination is Charleston, SC — a good place to live if you’re a foodie or an oenophile. Two of today’s top spots are Fig, where you’ll find upscale Southern specialties, and the multiple award-winning Husk, an elegant tradition since 2011 (call ahead for reservations — way ahead). 

8. Lowcountry Living Means High-Stress Traffic 

Like any touristy favorite, Charleston can be a traffic nightmare near busy destinations. Rush hours get super congested Downtown, where the streets are narrow and not designed for today’s volume of traffic. Bridges and routes to the beaches are equally clogged at certain times. If you’re moving to Charleston, SC, keep in mind that the average commuter here is looking at a 22.1-minute drive each way, compared to 26.4 for the national average. 

Insider Tip: Slow down! Horse-and-carriage rides are popular in Downtown Charleston, and the city’s cobblestone streets aren’t made for multiple lanes of traffic, so keep your eyes where they should be. And if you must drive, share the road. But better yet, hoof it.

9. Charleston Schools Get Good Grades 

Around 50,400 students attend public schools in the Charleston 01 School District, which is rated in the top 20 percent of South Carolina districts — and a draw for lots of families moving to Charleston, SC. The student-teacher ratio is 14:1. Downtown Charleston’s Buist Academy, a K-8 magnet school specializing in the language arts, is ranked in the top 1 percent nationwide for testing scores. For older kids, Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, about 10 miles from Downtown Charleston, is ranked the No. 4 high school in the Charleston County district for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. 

Downtown Charleston’s Rainbow Row adds a splash of color to the city’s historic charm.
(Source: Leonel Heisenberg via Unsplash)

10. The Best Areas To Live in Charleston, SC, Offer Charm, Comfort, and Southern Hospitality

In a city as culturally and geographically diverse as Charleston, picking a “best area” is difficult but not impossible — it just depends on your specific needs and wants in a neighborhood. But moving to Charleston, SC, means plenty of areas to fit any budget, all with a generous serving of Lowcountry flavor.

Here are a few highlights:

1. Downtown Charleston

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,875
• Median home sale price: $890,500
• Great for: Arts/history/architecture lovers, hipster professionals, tourist tolerators

Yes, Downtown is touristy and crowded. But as new residents moving to Charleston, SC, discover, it’s also 20 minutes from the Charleston airport — ideal for business travelers. And just as importantly, Downtown is architecturally exquisite, with historic churches, upscale shopping, and world-class dining on practically every corner. Young professionals have discovered renovated (and pricey) condos and apartments in the historic district, but working families have been largely priced out of Downtown real estate, with the notable exception of affluent neighborhoods near the Battery. 

2. Mt. Pleasant, SC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,275
• Average home value: $902,000
• Great for: Affluent families, soccer moms, neighborhood boosters

As its name implies, this Charleston suburb hits all the right notes, just 20 minutes from Downtown Charleston. The charming Old Village Historic District is a stone’s throw from cozy neighborhoods of tree-lined streets with a variety of architectural styles. The usual suburban sprawl of chains and traffic has cropped up around the edges of Mount Pleasant, but overall, the town is a picture-perfect haven for families moving to Charleston, SC.  

3. Daniel Island

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,200
• Average home value: $1.6 million
• Great for: Wealthy families, gated community dwellers, organized-fitness buffs

If you favor contemporary — and pricey — master-planned resort-style living, Daniel Island is a good option. Situated on 4,000 acres about a half-hour north of Downtown Charleston are nine distinctive neighborhoods, centered around a lively recreational lifestyle with about 25 miles of trails. The island also features tennis courts, swimming pools — and two professional golf courses: Beresford Creek and Ralston Creek, both at the exclusive Daniel Island Club. 

4. Summerville, SC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $348,500
• Great for: Families, gardeners, foodies, retirees

Founded as a seasonal getaway destination for city residents, Summerville is about a half-hour northwest of Downtown Charleston. Living up to its nickname of Flowertown, the city hosts an eponymous festival every spring in Azalea Park (sensing a theme here?) to raise funds for the local YMCA. With a walkable downtown, terrific dining scene, and relatively affordable housing, Summerville has become a top choice for families year-round. Check out the cute shopping district — and don’t miss Hippie Soul, a family-owned boutique with clothing, accessories, and lots of goodies to promote wellness. 

Did You Know? Summerville, known as Flowertown in honor of its wealth of beautiful gardens, is the birthplace of sweet tea — a Southern staple.

5. West Ashley

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $496,500
• Great for: Young families, retirees, kayakers/canoers

Charleston’s first bedroom community was built in the mid-century heyday of suburban flight, and it still retains the architectural styles of the era in many of its neighborhoods. Today, many West Ashley homes overlook the Intracoastal Waterway, with the 10-mile West Ashley Greenway snaking through the area and into Avondale, where restaurants, bars, and shops are the main attraction. History buffs will want to check out the Charles Towne Landing Site, now a state park, where the OG soon-to-be South Carolinians came ashore in 1670. Visitors can climb aboard the Adventure, a replica of the trading vessels common back in those days.

If you’re moving to Charleston, SC, PODS portable storage containers offer a convenient and flexible solution. 

11. The Cost of Moving to Charleston, SC, Depends on Where You’re Moving From

Here’s a quick overview of the average costs you can expect if you’re moving to Charleston, SC,  from a two- or three-bedroom household in various cities. Budget-friendly options are available — but remember: You get what you pay for.

Moving Route	Miles	PODS (includes transport & 1-month storage)	Full-Service Movers (includes transport & loading/unloading)	Rental Truck (plus fuel costs)
Boston to Charleston	921	$3,450 – $4,831	$2,743 – $6,473	$770 – $1,689
DC to Charleston	532	$3,363 -- $4,708	$2,342 – $6,017	$547 – $1,106
New York, NY to Charleston	766	$4,314 – $5,931	$2,189 – $5,488	$650 – $1,291

Let's face it: The process of moving, even to a coveted destination like Charleston, can be trying. But with careful planning and the right moving service, you can make it less tedious — so you can focus on your new home rather than worrying about how to get there.

Top moving options include: 

PODS Portable Moving and Storage Containers

Whether you’re moving to Charleston from across the country or just one town over, PODS can offer you a flexible move. Have a portable container delivered right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading. One month of storage is included in the cost of every PODS move, so you can take the time you need without feeling rushed. When you’re ready, contact PODS to have your container picked up and delivered to your new Charleston home. And if you’d like additional help with your move, PODS can even refer you to local packing and loading services. 

Full-Service Movers

DIY is a convenient budget-saving option for people who don't mind doing some heavy lifting — or have good friends willing to work (for pizza, maybe?). Be sure to ask the rental agency professionals for guidance on the right size truck, though, because there's nothing like realizing you're out of space when you've still got a piano and six boxes of books that need to go in the truck. Ask lots of questions and read the fine print. You'll want to know at the outset whether you'll be charged by the mile or by the day, whether you need to fill up the gas tank before you return the truck, what kind of insurance coverage you'll need, whether the company provides a dolly and blankets for your use, and more. 

Rental Trucks

DIY is a convenient budget-saving option for people who don't mind doing some heavy lifting — or have good friends willing to work (for pizza, maybe?). Be sure to ask the rental agency professionals for guidance on the right size truck, though, because there's nothing like realizing you're out of space when you've still got a piano and six boxes of books that need to go in the truck. Ask lots of questions and read the fine print. You'll want to know at the outset whether you'll be charged by the mile or by the day, whether you need to fill up the gas tank before you return the truck, what kind of insurance coverage you'll need, whether the company provides a dolly and blankets for your use, and more. 

Interested in other Southern cities? The PODS Blog has guides to the best neighborhoods in Atlanta and top places to live in Charlotte, plus the inside scoop on life in these popular cities.

Shannon Jacobs is a Tampa-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. She has lived in Atlanta, the Berkshires, and Nashville, but always returns to the warmth of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.