Charleston AFB, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Charleston AFB, SC Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$1365/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$438,900
📷 Live Cameras — Charleston AFB
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🌤️ Live Weather — Charleston AFB
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Charleston AFB
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Charleston Water System
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Charleston County Environmental Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1365/mo
2 Bedrooms$1517/mo
3 Bedrooms$1896/mo
Median Home Price$438,900
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market near Charleston AFB is competitive due to its proximity to both the base and Charleston. Prices have been rising steadily, with a mix of military families and civilians driving demand.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

South Carolina has a progressive income tax rate ranging from 0% to 7%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mix of conservative and liberal voters)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in defense, tourism, and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, rising housing costs, hurricane preparedness
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited; most families rely on cars. Sidewalks are available in some areas but not universally stroller-friendly.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Charleston AFB Youth Center
  • 🎯
    North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
  • 🎯
    Charleston Aquarium

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods around Charleston AFB are popular with military families due to their proximity to the base. Areas like Ladson and Summerville offer good schools and family-friendly amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Charleston AFB based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents must adhere to base-specific regulations in addition to local Charleston County laws. Noise ordinances and pet regulations are strictly enforced.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Charleston AFB — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$83,891
🏠 Homeownership Rate
55.6%
🔑 Renter Rate
44.4%
📉 Poverty Rate
12.6%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.6%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in summer due to high AC usage. Winter heating costs are lower but can spike during cold snaps.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Charleston County millage rate is 0.45, with additional surtaxes for school districts.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: Sidewalks are present in newer developments but uneven in older areas. Park access is good, but public transit lacks stroller accessibility.

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