The Real Cost of Living in Charleston in 2025 | Faith Walker Realtor

Let’s be honest — Charleston is stunning, but she isn’t cheap. Between pastel houses, seafood towers, and skyrocketing property values, the Lowcountry lifestyle comes with a price tag. If you’ve been wondering what it really costs to live here in 2025, here’s the unfiltered breakdown.

Housing is the biggest piece of the puzzle. The average price point in Charleston County has climbed to around $1,018,000 — up from $712,000 just a few years ago. That’s a 43% jump, and it means buying in Charleston is officially a luxury move. Condos and townhomes can be a little more approachable, but even those have appreciated fast. Renters aren’t getting much relief either, with prices for downtown apartments and James Island spots often rivaling mortgage payments.

Then there’s insurance. Flood insurance is practically a rite of passage here, and premiums have been rising with FEMA’s updated maps and climate realities. Homeowners insurance, too, reflects coastal risk. It’s something every buyer needs to budget for — and something sellers should be prepared to explain when listing.

Groceries and dining are another reality check. Charleston’s food scene is incredible, but eating out adds up quickly. A brunch habit with mimosas can run $30–$40 per person, and dinner at one of the city’s buzzy new restaurants might feel more like New York prices than Southern comfort. Even groceries have crept higher, with locals joking that Harris Teeter receipts now read like fine dining menus.

Utilities and transportation aren’t outrageous, but they’re not bargain-bin either. Air conditioning works overtime in the summer, and parking downtown is a constant battle of meters and tickets. Add in Charleston’s love of boutique fitness studios, pet care, and endless events, and you’ll see how lifestyle costs sneak in.

Here’s the twist: despite the sticker shock, people keep moving here. Why? Because Charleston delivers more than just a place to live. It’s the sunsets over Shem Creek, the charm of King Street, weekends on Sullivan’s or Folly, and the kind of community vibe you can’t replicate elsewhere. People are willing to pay more because Charleston feels worth it.

Living in the Holy City isn’t just about the price tag — it’s about knowing what you’re getting into and deciding if the lifestyle balances out the expense. For many, it does. Charleston is expensive, yes, but it’s also one of the most rewarding places to call home.

Thinking about making the move? I can help you navigate not just the market, but the lifestyle costs that come with it. 📲 Click here to connect.