Salary & Cost of Living in Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC: $62,000 median salary, cost of living index 105, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$62,000
$30/hr
Cost of Living
105
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3%
rate
Charleston, SC Overview
Population
150,227
Median Salary
$62,000
Average Salary
$69,000
Avg Commute
25 min
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Rent
$1,500/mo
Job Growth
+2.8%
Sales Tax
9%
Charleston is located in South Carolina with a population of 150,227. The median household salary is $62,000 per year ($30/hour), which is $2,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.8%.
Charleston Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Charleston, SC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$48,012
$4,000.96/month · $1,846.60/biweekly · Effective Rate: 22.6%
Gross Pay
$62,000
Federal Tax
-$5,402
State Tax
-$3,844
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,743
Net Pay
$48,012
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,166.67 | $62,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$450.13 | -$5,401.50 |
| South Carolina State Tax (6.2%) | -$320.33 | -$3,844.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$320.33 | -$3,844.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$74.92 | -$899.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,000.96 | $48,011.50 |
Salary Comparison: Charleston vs Other Cities
See how Charleston's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, SC | $62,000 | 105 | $59,048 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Tempe, AZ | $62,000 | 105 | $59,048 |
| Wilmington, DE | $62,000 | 105 | $59,048 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | $62,000 | 118 | $52,542 |
| Miramar, FL | $62,000 | 112 | $55,357 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Charleston
Charleston's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100). Living in Charleston is 5% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500
Annual Rent Cost
$18,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $48,012 annual take-home pay in Charleston has the purchasing power of approximately $45,725 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $65,100 in Charleston to match a $62,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Charleston
Charleston's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $62,000.
Salary Tips for Charleston Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 6.2% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Charleston's top industries include Tourism, Technology, Aerospace. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $62,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Charleston, SC?
The median salary in Charleston, SC is $62,000 per year, or $30 per hour. The average salary is $69,000. This is $2,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC?
Charleston's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $380,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,500.
What are the best industries in Charleston?
The top industries in Charleston, SC include Tourism, Technology, Aerospace. The city has a job growth rate of 2.8% and an unemployment rate of 3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $62,000.
How does Charleston's salary compare to other cities?
Charleston's median salary of $62,000 is 4.4% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 105), the real purchasing power is approximately $59,048.
What is the minimum wage in Charleston, SC?
The minimum wage in Charleston, SC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.