Salary Needed to Live in Charleston as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $20,931/year to live comfortably in Charleston, SC — including 5% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$20,931
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$19,536
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,221
0% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Charleston
| Expense | Charleston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $135 | $121 | +12% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $17 | $16 | +6% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $13 | $15 | -13% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $16 | $18 | -11% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $159 | $223 | -29% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $49 | $56 | -12% |
| Medicare Supplement | $216 | $200 | +8% |
| Prescription Drugs | $162 | $150 | +8% |
| Internet + Phone | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Recreation & Social | $216 | $200 | +8% |
| Home Maintenance | $108 | $100 | +8% |
| Total Monthly | $1,221 | $1,219 | 0% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,221
Target savings (5%):$69/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,290
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$20,931
Other Household Types in Charleston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Charleston?
A retiree needs approximately $20,931/year ($1,744/month gross) to live comfortably in Charleston with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Charleston?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Charleston costs approximately $135/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Charleston affordable for a retiree?
Charleston is roughly average for retiree costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.