What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Charleston, SC, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Charleston is a city in Charleston County, South Carolina, with an estimated population of 157,665. It anchors the Charleston-North Charleston metro area. The population grew 1.2% annually from 2020 to 2024, a moderate gain. The median home value in Charleston is $593,739 as of 2026-04, up 0.6% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged +8.4% annual growth, with prices at or near the 5-year peak. Rents in Charleston average $2,186 per month, roughly flat year-over-year (+2.4%). The composite momentum score is 71 of 100 (Rising). The market is healthy with prices supported by underlying demand.
Quiet strength: prices near or at all-time highs (+0.0% from 5-year peak). Solid market for owner-occupiers; investors should underwrite conservatively given the elevated entry point.
Reasons people move here
- Multi-year compounder: home values up an average 8.4% per year over the last 5 years — sustained, not a one-year pop.
- Net positive migration: population up 1.2% per year — demand fundamentals are intact.
- Held the highs: currently +0.0% from the 5-year peak — this market refused to give back gains.
Things to know first
- Local nuance: city-level data smooths over neighborhood differences. School zones, HOA rules, and street-level character matter — visit before deciding.
- Local nuance (school zones, neighborhood quality) varies block by block — visit before deciding.
More about Charleston
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.