Charleston, South Carolina
In Charleston, South Carolina, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.65 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.20 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,471.71, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.41% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Charleston's cost-of-living index of 98 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.65
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$1,471.71
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.41%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$12.74
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.79 | $2.09 | $2.70 | $4.00 | $2.16 | +20.7% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.58 | $3.87 | $3.83 | $3.91 | $3.95 | +10.3% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.80 | $4.81 | $5.00 | $5.30 | $5.35 | +40.8% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.14 | $2.92 | $3.12 | $3.37 | $3.47 | +62.1% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.74 | $3.96 | $4.00 | $4.04 | $4.00 | +7.0% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.08 | $4.57 | $4.85 | $4.94 | $5.04 | +23.5% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.51 | $7.03 | $7.53 | $7.83 | $7.90 | +21.4% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.64 | $6.14 | $6.39 | $6.45 | $6.51 | +15.4% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.49 | $1.80 | $1.85 | $1.91 | $1.97 | +32.2% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.29 | $5.03 | $5.28 | $5.39 | $5.55 | +29.4% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.35 | $10.12 | $10.93 | $11.48 | $11.94 | +43.0% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.84 | $4.44 | $4.79 | $5.08 | $5.34 | +39.1% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $4.01 | $4.29 | $4.55 | $4.69 | $4.78 | +19.2% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.51 | $4.74 | $4.88 | $5.03 | $5.18 | +14.9% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.25 | $2.49 | $2.59 | $2.75 | $2.89 | +28.4% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.73 | $1.88 | $2.03 | $2.11 | $2.17 | +25.4% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.51 | $6.82 | $7.44 | $7.81 | $8.05 | +46.1% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $4.21 | $4.46 | $4.68 | $4.82 | $4.87 | +15.7% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.62 | $5.31 | $5.68 | $5.91 | $6.15 | +33.1% |
| Frozen Pizza | $6.15 | $7.45 | $7.97 | $8.28 | $8.70 | +41.5% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$12.74
Casual Dining
$23.27
Monthly Spend
$370.52
+4.36% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $7.90
$12.74
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $8.92
$13.76
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $9.55
$14.27
+49.4%Starbucks
2022: $4.20
$5.83
+38.8%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Charleston?
Average 1BR: $1,362.69/mo · 2BR: $1,751.07/mo
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