Salary Needed to Live in Charleston as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $28,171/year to live comfortably in Charleston, SC — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$28,171
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$23,664
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,479
1% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Charleston
| Expense | Charleston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $153 | $137 | +12% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $28 | $27 | +4% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $16 | $19 | -16% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $33 | $35 | -6% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $159 | $223 | -29% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $49 | $56 | -12% |
| Internet | $70 | $65 | +8% |
| Phone (×2) | $151 | $140 | +8% |
| Dining & Social | $486 | $450 | +8% |
| Entertainment | $194 | $180 | +8% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $140 | $130 | +8% |
| Total Monthly | $1,479 | $1,462 | +1% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,479
Target savings (12%):$240/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,719
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$28,171
Other Household Types in Charleston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Charleston?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $28,171/year ($2,348/month gross) to live comfortably in Charleston with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Charleston?
A 1-2br apartment in Charleston costs approximately $153/month, which is the largest single expense at 10% of the total budget.
Is Charleston affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Charleston is roughly average for couple (no kids) costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.