Is Charleston, SC affordable on a $975,000 salary?
YES
On $975,000/yr, the typical $437,474 home in Charleston, SC needs $136,965/yr ($3,196/mo). Your gap: +$838,035 — housing would be 3.9% 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. On $975,000 you already clear it by $838,035.