WhereCanIAfford › Charleston, SC › On $125,000

Is Charleston, SC affordable on a $125,000 salary?

A STRETCH On $125,000/yr, the typical $437,474 home in Charleston, SC needs $136,965/yr ($3,196/mo). Your gap: $-11,965 — housing would be 30.7% of your gross income.

The math

437,474 price − 10% down (43,747) = 393,727 loan
30-yr fixed at 7.18% on 393,727 = 2,667/mo principal+interest
+ 529/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
3,196/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 11,414/mo → 136,965/yr required

against Zillow ZHVI 2026-09 and the 7.18% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-11-05).

What salary WOULD clear Charleston, SC?

You need about $136,965/yr for the typical home. That's $11,965 more than $125,000.

On $100,000? On $150,000? On $175,000?

See the full Charleston, SC affordability breakdown → or every metro you can afford on $125,000 →