Can I Afford to Live in Charleston vs Columbia on $75K?
Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Charleston SC | Columbia SC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,353 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,250 |
| Groceries (est.) | $376 | $361 |
| Transport (est.) | $55 | $45 |
| Utilities | $162 | $152 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797/month | $2,485/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $75K a good salary in Charleston?
At $75K/year in Charleston, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,353. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 44% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $75K a good salary in Columbia?
At $75K/year in Columbia, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,353. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 29% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?
Columbia leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,485/month vs $1,797/month in Charleston.
Can I afford to live alone in Charleston on $75K?
It's tight. Rent in Charleston would take 44% of your $75K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only