Salary Needed to Live in Charleston as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $20,049/year to live comfortably in Charleston, SC — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$20,049
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$17,376
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,086
1% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Charleston
| Expense | Charleston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $126 | $113 | +12% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $18 | $17 | +6% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $12 | $14 | -14% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $25 | $26 | -4% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $159 | $223 | -29% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $49 | $56 | -12% |
| Internet | $70 | $65 | +8% |
| Phone | $92 | $85 | +8% |
| Dining & Social | $324 | $300 | +8% |
| Entertainment | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Personal Care | $81 | $75 | +8% |
| Total Monthly | $1,086 | $1,094 | -1% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,086
Target savings (10%):$139/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,225
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$20,049
Other Household Types in Charleston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Charleston?
A single person needs approximately $20,049/year ($1,671/month gross) to live comfortably in Charleston with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Charleston?
A studio/1br in Charleston costs approximately $126/month, which is the largest single expense at 12% of the total budget.
Is Charleston affordable for a single person?
Charleston is roughly average for single person costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.