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Charleston, South Carolina Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Charleston, South Carolina at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $496,700
- State Income Tax
- State income tax; Social Security fully exempt; generous retirement income deduction.
- Avg January Low
- 43.9°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 93.3 (US avg = 100)
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 52 / 100
Overview
"Charleston, South Carolina is a coastal Lowcountry retirement destination known for its historic walkable downtown, mild winters, and favorable retiree tax treatment. Median home prices run around $560,000 and cost of living is about 7% above the national average. South Carolina exempts Social Security and offers a $15,000 retirement-income deduction per person 65+. Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a top-tier academic medical center."
Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, sitting at the confluence of the Cooper and Ashley rivers on South Carolina's Atlantic coast. The historic peninsula remains one of the most architecturally preserved urban cores in the South, and Charleston's retirement appeal is built on a combination of walkability, mild winters, coastal access (beaches at Sullivan's Island, Folly, Isle of Palms), and a deep food and arts culture. The metro is roughly 18% age 65+.
South Carolina's retirement tax treatment is genuinely friendly: Social Security is fully exempt, and retirees age 65+ can deduct $15,000 per person from other retirement income. Property tax rates are low (~0.55%) and there's no estate or inheritance tax. The trade-off is home prices, which have climbed sharply with Charleston's national prominence — median price around $560,000 sits at the upper end of the Southeast retirement market.
Healthcare is exceptional for a city of Charleston's size. The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a major academic medical center with comprehensive cancer, cardiac, and transplant programs. Roper St. Francis and Trident Medical Center round out the network. Medicare Advantage availability is strong.
Charleston is best for retirees who prioritize walkable historic urban living, mild winters, coastal access, and excellent healthcare. Hurricane risk is real (the peninsula sits roughly 8–10 feet above sea level), and summer heat and humidity are intense.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Charleston's cost of living is 6.700000000000003% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Charleston using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$1,076
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$1,209
Median home price used: $496,700
Median rent reference: $1,636 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Charleston, South Carolina after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Charleston scores 47.1 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Charleston
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Charleston →Taxes
State Tax Climate
South Carolina has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.Read more in our detailed South Carolina tax guide.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 314 sunny days a year and an average January low of 43.9°F, Charleston offers a mild winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Charleston
Is Charleston, South Carolina a good place to retire in 2026?▾
Charleston, South Carolina is a coastal Lowcountry retirement destination known for its historic walkable downtown, mild winters, and favorable retiree tax treatment. Median home prices run around $560,000 and cost of living is about 7% above the national average. South Carolina exempts Social Security and offers a $15,000 retirement-income deduction per person 65+. Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is a top-tier academic medical center.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, South Carolina for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 93, roughly 7% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $496,700.
Does South Carolina tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For South Carolina residents: State income tax; Social Security fully exempt; generous retirement income deduction.
What is the climate like in Charleston, South Carolina?▾
Charleston, South Carolina has January average low around 44°F, July average high around 88°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Charleston, South Carolina?▾
Charleston scores 47/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a adequate score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).
How much does it cost to retire in Charleston, South Carolina?▾
For a retired couple in a paid-off home, total monthly costs in Charleston run roughly $3,266 based on the cost-of-living index of 93. This includes property taxes, utilities, healthcare premiums, groceries, transportation, and discretionary spending. Renters add roughly $1,200–$1,800/month for a 2-bedroom.
Local Professionals
Financial Advisors
TANDEM INVESTMENT ADVISORS INC
CHARLESTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS, LLC
VICTORIA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
+74 more financial advisors available