Charleston is a city of pastel-colored homes, cobblestone streets, and people who will argue passionately about where to find the best shrimp and grits. It’s also a city where rent prices seem to be set by someone who believes everyone has a secret treasure chest buried in their backyard. Fortunately, just outside the city, a handful of affordable Charleston suburbs offer lower rents, more space, and a significantly reduced chance of being hit by a rogue horse-drawn carriage. Here’s a look at three of the top affordable Charleston suburbs.
Charleston’s housing market at a glance
Charleston’s charm comes at a price, but several nearby suburbs offer more affordable alternatives. Whether you’re looking for a coastal retreat or a quiet neighborhood with historic character, there are options outside the city. Here’s a quick look at Charleston’s prices before diving into the top budget-friendly Charleston suburbs for renters in 2025.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Charleston | $1,508 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Charleston | $1,787 |
| Median home price in Charleston | $620,000 |
1. Walterboro
Walterboro is where you go when you want affordable rent and the kind of neighborly friendliness that may involve someone casually bringing you a pie.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,075
- Distance from Charleston: 49 miles northwest
- Drive time to Charleston: About 66 minutes
At $1,075 on average for a 1-bedroom apartment, Walterboro is the most affordable suburb on this list. The South Carolina Artisans Center showcases handcrafted works by local artists, so if you’ve ever wanted to convince visitors that you have “an eye for art,” this is your chance. Colleton State Park has trails and fishing spots along the Edisto River, making it an ideal place for weekend relaxation—or at least a place to go and take a photo for the gram. And for history buffs, the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial honors the legendary black pilots who changed the course of history.
2. Moncks Corner
Moncks Corner is what happens when small-town charm meets just the right amount of convenience.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,107
- Distance from Charleston: 33 miles north
- Drive time to Charleston: About 44 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,107, Moncks Corner is a peaceful escape from Charleston’s buzz. Cypress Gardens is a major draw, with boat rides through cypress swamps that look like something out of a Nicholas Sparks movie (minus the dramatic love triangle). Mepkin Abbey, one of the few Trappist monasteries in the U.S., offers the kind of tranquility that makes you consider taking up meditation for at least five minutes. Housing options in Moncks Corner range from charming bungalows to newer developments, making it an ideal spot for renters who want affordability without sacrificing comfort.
3. Drayton
Drayton is where you move when you want to be near Charleston without constantly dodging tour groups and horse-drawn carriages.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,287
- Distance from Charleston: 13 miles west
- Drive time to Charleston: About 20 minutes
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Drayton will likely run you about $1,287. While Drayton is on the higher end of affordability, you’re paying for prime location and the kind of neighborhood where people actually wave at each other. For a little fun under the shining South Carolina sun, West Ashley Greenway is a fantastic trail for walking, biking, and escaping your responsibilities for a few miles. If you’re a fan of live music and craft beer, Frothy Beard Brewing Company is the place to be, serving up locally brewed beers and putting on trivia nights that will make you question how much you actually remember from high school. Housing options in Drayton range from cozy townhomes to more spacious single-family homes, making it perfect for those who want to be near the city but still have room to breathe.
Choose your affordable Charleston suburb
The three affordable Charleston suburbs in this article offer a little something for everyone. Whether it’s the small-town comfort of Walterboro, the scenic beauty of Moncks Corner, or the historic elegance of Drayton, there’s something for everyone in these suburbs. If you’re looking to save on rent without giving up access to Charleston’s food scene, history, and general coastal magic, these suburbs provide plenty of options. The hardest part? Deciding whether you’re the kind of person who wants a backyard big enough for a hammock—or a front porch perfect for sipping sweet tea and watching the people walk by.
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Charleston’s average rent and under 45 miles from downtown Charleston. Average rental data from Charleston rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
