Charleston, SC Salary Guide: The Real Value of a $100,000 Income

You landed the $100k job in the Holy City. The offer letter looks heavy, but the Charleston real estate market is aggressive. We aren't here to fluff the numbers. We are here to tell you exactly what that paycheck buys you, where the tax man cuts the check, and how to structure your budget to actually build wealth.

Here is the financial reality of earning six figures in Charleston, South Carolina.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

The "Sticker Price" of your salary is a vanity metric. The only number that matters is the Take Home Pay. Let's run the verification test on a gross income of $100,000 to find your true purchasing power.

• Gross Income: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (SC): -$4,500
• Local Tax: $0

The Bottom Line:
Your actual liquidity is $74,236 annually.

You are losing roughly 25.7% of your gross income to taxes. That is a $25,764 haircut before you pay a single bill. On a monthly basis, you are operating with a $6,186 net deposit. While South Carolina isn't a tax haven, it is manageable. You are paying to play, but you aren't being bled dry like you would be in New York City.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With $6,186 hitting your bank account every month, you have to be disciplined. We apply the 50/30/20 rule to separate survival from wealth creation.

Needs ($3,093/mo): Can You Afford the Peninsula?

This bucket covers rent, utilities, insurance, and groceries. The median rent for a one-bedroom in desirable neighborhoods (Upper King, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley) is creeping toward $2,000 to $2,400.

• The Math: If you spend $2,200 on rent, you have $893 left for utilities, car insurance, and groceries. This is tight.
• The Verdict: You can afford to live alone, but you won't be living on the Battery. You likely need to look west of the Crosstown or accept a roommate to keep rent under $1,500 to maximize this bucket.

Savings ($1,237/mo): The Wealth Engine

This is your non-negotiable. At a $100k salary, this is 20% of your income.

• The Power: $1,237/mo is $14,844/year.
• The Strategy: Do not leave this in a checking account. If you are young, this is your down payment fund for a Charleston condo or your entry into the stock market. Over 10 years at a conservative 7% return, this specific bucket alone grows to over $200,000. This is how you stop trading time for money.

Wants ($1,856/mo): The Holy City Lifestyle

Charleston is a "vibe" economy. Dining out on King Street, weekend trips to Kiawah, and tickets to Riverdogs games add up.

• The Reality: $1,856 is plenty for fun, if you don't blow your budget on a luxury apartment. If you overspend on "Needs" (rent), your "Wants" evaporate. Prioritize experiences over square footage to keep this bucket fat.

Charleston Taxes vs. The Competition

Is the South actually "low tax"? Let's look at the cold numbers compared to two other high-demand cities.

Scenario: $100,000 Salary | Net Pay Comparison

Location	State Tax	Local Tax	Total Tax Burden	Net Pay
Charleston, SC	$4,500	$0	$25,764	$74,236
Austin, TX	$0	~$1,200 (Prop Tax*)	~$22,164*	~$77,836
New York, NY	~$5,500	~$3,000	~$32,114	~$67,886

Note: Texas relies on high property taxes, which hurts homeowners, not renters. New York destroys your income.

The Takeaway:
Charleston sits in the middle. It isn't as aggressive as NYC, but it isn't the 0% income tax haven of Texas or Florida. However, because there is $0 Local Tax, your paycheck is cleaner than cities like Columbus or Philadelphia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Charleston?
A: Charleston, SC has a 0% local city income tax. However, you are subject to South Carolina State Income Tax (which ranged from 0% to 7% depending on brackets for the tax year) and Federal Income Tax. For a $100k earner, the effective state tax rate is roughly 4.5%.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Charleston?
A: Yes. A $100,000 salary provides a Take Home Pay of $74,236. This is significantly higher than the median household income in Charleston. It allows for comfortable living, single-income renting, and aggressive savings, provided you manage lifestyle creep.

Q: Does Charleston have a local city tax?
A: No. The data confirms $0 Local Tax. You pay state and federal, but the city of Charleston does not take a cut of your W-2 income.

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Disclaimer: The figures provided are estimates based on the data context supplied for this specific scenario. Calculations are based on IRS 2026 tax bracket estimates, standard FICA deductions, and South Carolina State Comptroller rates. Always consult a certified tax professional for personal financial advice.